As the crisp autumn air sets in, many gardeners are eager to plant succulents that will thrive in the cooler months. Fall offers the perfect balance of warm soil and cooler air, making it an ideal time to add succulents to your outdoor landscape. But with so many varieties to choose from, which ones should you plant this fall to ensure they not only survive but thrive? In this blog post, we’ll explore the best succulents to plant outdoors during the fall season, taking into account their hardiness, beauty, and ability to withstand cooler temperatures.

Why Fall is the Ideal Time to Plant Succulents

Succulents are known for their ability to withstand dry conditions and store water in their fleshy leaves, but they’re also sensitive to extreme cold. If you live in an area that can reach these temperatures and have a succulent garden, check out our Tips to Protect Outdoor Succulents from Freezing Temps for more information. We’ve provided some information on what you can do to protect them during the colder months.

Fall provides the perfect window for planting succulents, as the temperatures are not as hot as summer and the soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth. Additionally, the reduced watering needs during the cooler months help prevent rot, a common problem with succulents in overly wet conditions.

Best Succulents for Fall Planting

Here are some of the best succulents to plant outdoors during the fall season, selected for their beauty, hardiness, and ability to handle the autumn chill. For those that live in the United States, here’s a link to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map provided by the U.S Department of Agriculture. This will help you understand which plants work well in your area.

1. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Stonecrop)

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a versatile and hardy succulent that flourishes in the cooler months. Known for its stunning pink to red flowers, this plant adds a burst of color to your fall garden. It’s drought-tolerant, thrives in full sun, and prefers well-drained soil. This hardy perennial can survive the fall and winter with minimal care and will come back year after year.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-9
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Water Needs: Low to moderate

2. Echeveria

Echeveria is a classic succulent with rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves. Many varieties of Echeveria, such as Echeveria ‘Lola’ and Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’, are perfect for planting outdoors during the fall. These plants come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and blue, adding both texture and visual interest to your garden.

Although Echeveria is more sensitive to freezing temperatures, it can survive through fall if temperatures don’t dip too low. Make sure to plant them in a sheltered location with good drainage.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 9-11 (with protection in colder climates)
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Low

3. Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)

Sempervivum, also known as “hens and chicks,” is a highly resilient succulent that thrives in cooler temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fall planting. This succulent forms rosettes with numerous “chicks” sprouting from the main “hen.” Sempervivum is known for its ability to withstand freezing temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor fall planting in regions with chilly winters.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-8
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Water Needs: Low

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is not only famous for its medicinal uses but also for its striking green, spiky leaves. Although it’s better known as an indoor succulent, Aloe Vera can also be planted outdoors in mild climates during the fall. It does well in warm temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight, but it needs to be protected from freezing conditions.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 8-11
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Low to moderate

5. Agave Americana (Century Plant)

Agave Americana, or the Century Plant, is a dramatic and hardy succulent that can add an architectural element to your fall garden. It has thick, spiky leaves and can grow quite large, making it an eye-catching feature. Agave is well-suited to outdoor planting in fall as it prefers cooler temperatures for root development and is highly drought-tolerant.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 8-10
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Low

Tips for Planting Succulents Outdoors in the Fall

1. Choose the Right Location: Succulents love sunlight, so pick a spot that gets plenty of it. However, consider your region’s climate — if frost is likely, plant succulents in a sheltered area or use frost cloths to protect them.
2. Soil and Drainage: Succulents need well-draining soil to thrive, so make sure to amend the soil with sand or perlite if necessary. Avoid areas that retain too much moisture to prevent root rot.
3. Watering: In the fall, succulents need less water, so be careful not to overwater them. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
4. Frost Protection: If your area experiences cold snaps, consider bringing your succulents indoors or covering them with a frost cloth during particularly chilly nights.

Planting succulents in the fall can be a rewarding way to enhance your outdoor garden. The cooler temperatures and gentle sunlight allow these resilient plants to establish strong roots before the cold winter months arrive. From the vibrant blooms of Kalanchoe to the architectural beauty of Agave, there’s a succulent for every garden style. By choosing the right plants and following a few simple care tips, you’ll enjoy a stunning succulent garden well into the fall and beyond.

Happy planting! 🌿