In addition to the well-known Crassula, Eclaira and Co., which are leaf succulents, these thick-leaf plants are also available with a stem. Also protected from its natural predators by thorns, the cold-resistant varieties are particularly suitable for planting in rock gardens, on terraces and on balconies.
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One special feature distinguishes the winter hardy from their conspecifics: starting in September, they are no longer watered at all until the beginning of March. Photosynthesis causes residual water that has accumulated in the plant body to be converted into sugar, so that while the cell sap is reduced at the same time, even temperatures far below freezing point do no damage to the tropical plants. This process can be recognized by the particularly characteristic color changes from green to red-brown, which can be observed in many winter hardy species in autumn. In the following period, they generate their own natural antifreeze, so to speak, and prepare for winter without our intervention.
Popular varieties of hardy succulents
If you are thinking about planting in the garden, you should definitely consider that the shoot axes of these plants can reach considerable dimensions after a short time and branch out profusely. Ultimately, however, the right choice of location, an optimal substrate as well as reliable rain protection and species-appropriate water dosage play a dominant role in these tropical plants, which can grow up to a height of 15 meters. In the following overview we have summarized some of the hardy succulent species that are often found in German gardens:
variety | optimal temperature (° C) | Height (cm) | features |
---|---|---|---|
Echinocereus viridiflorus | until - 25 | until 10 | profusely blooming and ideal for rock gardens |
Escobaria vivipara (ball cactus) | until - 30 | 10 to 15 | Formation of its own offshoots, requires cold stimulus for flowers |
Opuntia engelmannii | until 20 | 100 to 400 | Prickly pear cactus with edible fruits and a shrubby growth |
Mountain cactus | until 20 | about 150 | Columnar cactus with pink flowers in summer and 8 cm long thorns; not for housekeeping |
Opuntia ficus indica | up to - 15 (except young plants!) | about 500 | Ancient variety with fruits up to 10 cm in size, extremely fast growing |
Corynopuntia clavata | until 20 | (Minis) 3 to 7 | Visually very conspicuous yellow flowers, needs rain protection |
Opuntia imbricata | until - 30 | maximum 500 | hardiest species, may also be shortened |
Opuntia tortispina | until 20 | with broad growth up to 100 | Pink-red flowers, needs frost to grow, good as a pot plant |
Planting and care tips for succulents
In all regions of Germany, cultivation is basically possible in every garden, with the exception of a few young plants, which should be grown in the apartment or at least in the cold greenhouse for the first few years. Many of the species are particularly suitable as potted plants and can be used to decorate terraces, balconies or house entrances when the garden is not in the garden. Some tips to keep in mind:
- ideal planting time: end of February until August;
- the location should be protected from rain and sunny (a southern slope is perfect);
- use water-permeable, granular substrate so that rainwater can drain off quickly;
- DO NOT use compost earth (risk of fungal infections!);
- do not water immediately after planting and avoid waterlogging.