Flowering succulents are a delightful addition to any garden or indoor space. They offer the best of both worlds: the resilience and low-maintenance needs of succulents combined with the beauty of vibrant blooms. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these plants are sure to bring a splash of color and a touch of nature’s magic into your life. Let’s dive into the world of flowering succulents and discover 11 stunning varieties you can grow.
Hardy Ice Plant
The Hardy Ice Plant is a vibrant groundcover that thrives in sunny, well-drained sites across most of the U.S. Its intense purple-pink flowers are a stunning addition to full-sun gardens. However, be mindful of wet winters, as they can be fatal to the plant. To ensure continuous beauty, consider replanting each spring if necessary. Its dazzling display makes it worth the extra effort.
Stapelia
Stapelia, also known as carrion flower, is famous for its unique and sometimes massive flowers. These succulents come in colors ranging from near-black to cream. Interestingly, some Stapelia varieties produce foul-smelling flowers to attract pollinators like flies. If the odor is an issue, placing them outdoors during blooming can be a practical solution. Despite their scent, their intricate and unusual blooms make them a fascinating addition to any succulent collection.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus is a classic houseplant known for its beautiful blooms around the holidays—Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. Its flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, orange, and gold. Unlike many succulents, the Christmas Cactus thrives in indirect sunlight, making it a perfect indoor plant. With proper care, it can provide a cheerful burst of color during the colder months.
Prickly Pear
Prickly Pear cacti are found throughout the Americas and can range from 1 to 15 feet tall. They feature large, striking flowers in pink, yellow, or orange. However, they must be handled with care due to their sharp spines. Prickly Pears grow well in full sun areas or in pots that can be sheltered. Their bold flowers and unique shapes make them a standout in any garden.
Living Stones
Living Stones, or Lithops, are intriguing succulents that resemble pebbles. These small plants produce charming flowers in white, orange, yellow, or pink, which emerge from the center. Their unique appearance and delicate blooms make them an excellent choice for succulent enthusiasts looking to add a touch of whimsy to their collection.
Hoya
Hoya, also known as wax plant, is a vining succulent that flourishes in warm locations with indirect sunlight. It’s particularly suitable for hanging baskets, allowing its trailing vines and waxy flowers to create a beautiful display. Hoya flowers come in shades of white, pink, and red. They can be moved outdoors in summer to shaded areas, adding versatility to their appeal.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a popular houseplant that requires six weeks of 14-hour daily darkness in winter to initiate flowering. Once this condition is met, Kalanchoe rewards with vibrant blooms in red, orange, white, yellow, or pink. Blooming from late winter to early spring, this succulent brings a splash of color when many other plants are still dormant.
Crown of Thorns
Crown of Thorns is a resilient succulent that blooms throughout the year. Its bracts, which come in red, pink, white, or yellow, surround tiny flowers, creating a striking display. Easy to grow indoors, this plant should be handled with gloves as its latex sap can irritate the skin. Its continuous bloom cycle and vibrant colors make it a delightful houseplant.
Orchid Cactus
Orchid Cactus is best grown in hanging baskets in filtered sunlight. These succulents need to be moved indoors in climates below 50°F. Their massive flowers, which can reach up to 12 inches wide, are usually white but can also be orange, yellow, or pink. The impressive size and beauty of the flowers make them a showstopper in any collection.
Moss Rose
Moss Rose, or Portulaca, is often grown as an annual in Zones 3-9 and as a perennial in Zones 10-11. This low-growing succulent thrives in sunny, dry areas and produces flowers in various colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white. Its cheerful blooms last all summer long, adding continuous color to gardens and pots.
Desert Rose
The Desert Rose is commonly grown as a houseplant in a sunny location but can be moved outdoors in summer if protected from the midday sun. In summer, this succulent produces stunning flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Its dramatic blooms and sculptural shape make it a favorite among succulent lovers.
