Low-Maintenance Succulents
Succulents are plants with thick leaves that easily retain water, making them well-adapted to drought-like conditions. They can add interesting textures and forms to the typical landscape, and some residents even have themed “succulent gardens” to accent their homes. Keep reading to learn about some succulents that require minimal watering and care in Sarasota County.
Note: The following information is adapted from the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plant Guide.
Legend
Apart from the information presented in the table, the following features will be highlighted under each plant’s picture.
Light
: At least 6 hours of full sun
: 2-4 hours of full sun per day
: Full shade
Perks
: Attracts pollinators
: Attracts birds
: Edible parts*
Geography
: Native
: Non-native
Succulents
Yucca (Yucca spp.)
| Height | 3 to 30 feet |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness | 6A to 11 |
| Light Requirement | Full to partial sun |
| Salt Tolerance | Varies |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Soil Preference | Acidic to slightly alkaline (4.5-7.2), well-drained |
| Comments |
|
Read more here.
Agave (Agave spp.)
| Height | 3 to 6 feet |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness | 8B to 11 |
| Light Requirement | Full sun |
| Salt Tolerance | High |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Soil Preference | Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.2), sandy clay, well-drained |
| Comments |
|
Read more here.
Aloe (Aloe spp.)
| Height | 1 to 3 feet |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness | 8A to 11 |
| Light Requirement | Full to partial sun |
| Salt Tolerance | High |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Soil Preference | Slightly acidic to alkaline (6.0-8.0), well-drained |
| Comments |
|
Read more here.
Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
| Height | 0.5 to 1 feet |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness | 10A to 11 |
| Light Requirement | Full to partial sun |
| Salt Tolerance | Medium |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Soil Preference | Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.2), sandy loam, well-drained |
| Comments |
|
Read more here.
Stonecrops (Sedum spp.)
| Height | 0.5 to 1 feet |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness | variable by species / 3-11 |
| Light Requirement | Full sun |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Soil Preference | Acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay |
| Comments |
|
Read more here.
Bulbine (Bulbine frutescens)
| Height | 1 to 2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness | 8b-11 |
| Light Requirement | Full sun |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Soil Preference | Acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay |
| Comments |
|
Read more here.
Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
| Height | 1 to 4 feet |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness | 10b-12 |
| Light Requirement | Full sun |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Soil Preference | Well-drained |
| Comments |
|
Read more here.
If you want to learn about other low-maintenance plants for your landscape, read the rest of our Low-Maintenance Landscaping blog series.
*Although we discuss edibility in this blog, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County is not responsible for any illness or injury associated with foraging. Be aware that some plants may have been treated with pesticides and are not fit for human consumption. Always exercise caution.
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