Flowering succulents are a wonderful addition to any garden or home. These plants offer all the unique characteristics of succulents, including their attractive foliage and easy care requirements, with the added bonus of vibrant blooms. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, flowering succulents can thrive in sunny spots with minimal watering. Some varieties can even survive cold winter temperatures, making them an excellent year-round option for your outdoor space. Below are 19 of the most stunning flowering succulents to brighten your garden.
1. Hardy Ice Plant
The Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a durable groundcover succulent that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Known for its vibrant purple-pink flowers, this succulent flourishes in Zones 5-10 and can be replanted each spring if necessary, especially in areas with cold winters.
2. Stapelia
Stapelia plants (Stapelia spp.) feature some of the most unusual flowers in the succulent world. These flowers vary greatly in size, from tiny to 8 inches wide, and come in shades from dark purple to cream. While some species emit a foul odor to attract pollinators, the beauty of their flowers is worth the challenge.
3. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) is a popular flowering houseplant, known for its colorful blooms in shades of red, white, pink, and orange. Unlike many succulents, it thrives in indirect sunlight, making it perfect for indoor environments, especially around the holiday season.
4. Prickly Pear Cactus
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.) is a large, hardy succulent that can grow anywhere from 1 to 15 feet tall. It produces vibrant flowers in pink, yellow, and orange, making it a striking addition to gardens that get plenty of sunlight. Its spines require careful handling, but it’s well worth the effort.
5. Living Stones
Lithops, also known as living stones, are fascinating succulents that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. They produce beautiful small flowers in white, yellow, orange, or pink that emerge from the split in their stone-like leaves, adding a charming touch to any garden.
6. Hoya
Hoya plants (Hoya spp.) are vining succulents that grow best in warm, indirect light. These plants produce waxy flowers in shades of white, pink, and red. Their slow-growing nature makes them an excellent choice for container gardening, especially when slightly root-bound.
7. Kalanchoe
The Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a popular succulent known for its colorful flowers in hues of red, yellow, pink, and white. To encourage blooming, this plant requires about 6 weeks of 14-hour darkness each winter, rewarding you with a stunning display of flowers in early spring.
8. Crown of Thorns
The Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a low-maintenance succulent that blooms throughout the year. Its colorful bracts in red, pink, white, and yellow surround small, inconspicuous flowers. It’s an excellent houseplant, thriving in sunny spots with minimal care.
9. Orchid Cactus
Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum spp.) thrives in hanging baskets with filtered sunlight, mimicking its natural environment of growing in trees. With flowers that can reach up to 12 inches wide, the blooms come in shades of white, pink, orange, and yellow, making it a stunning addition to any garden.
10. Moss Rose
Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora) is a colorful, low-growing succulent that is perfect for hot, dry areas. It blooms continuously in vibrant shades of pink, red, yellow, and white, making it a great choice for containers or as a ground cover in sunny gardens.
11. Desert Rose
Despite its name, the Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is not a true rose but a succulent that thrives in warm, sunny locations. It produces stunning flowers in pink, white, and red. This plant is often grown as a houseplant, although it can be moved outdoors in the summer.
12. Agave
Agave plants (Agave spp.) are known for their striking architectural form. While most agaves bloom only once in their lifetime, their towering flower stalks and clusters of small blooms create a dramatic and memorable display, making them a true garden centerpiece.
13. Stonecrop
Also known as Sedum (Sedum spp.), Stonecrop is a versatile succulent that thrives in dry, full-sun gardens. While many varieties are grown for their attractive foliage, many produce clusters of small flowers in shades of white, pink, yellow, and red.
14. Torch Aloe
Torch Aloe (Aloe arborescens) is a striking succulent that produces coral-red flowers atop tall spikes. Hardy in sunny gardens, it grows well in full sun and is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for arid climates.
15. Bulbine
Native to South Africa, Bulbine (Bulbine frutescens) is a hardy succulent that produces bright orange and yellow flowers. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions but can tolerate light shade. This plant is ideal for warm climates, flourishing in Zones 9-11.
16. Yucca
Yucca plants (Yucca spp.) are known for their tall flower stalks covered in white blossoms. These hardy succulents bloom every few years, with flowers that can last for weeks. They are ideal for dry, sunny gardens and make a bold statement in any landscape.
17. Cholla Cactus
The Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia spp.) is a tall, hardy cactus with flowers that range from greenish-yellow to pink. Known for its resilience, this plant can grow in freezing temperatures as long as it is protected from excessive moisture.
18. Dragon Fruit
Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus spp.) produces large, nocturnal flowers that last only a single night. Though short-lived, the flowers are truly stunning, and growing this plant in hot, humid climates can reward you with both beauty and fruit.
19. Ox Tongue
The Ox Tongue plant (Gasteria spp.) is a succulent with robust, fleshy leaves and vibrant flower spikes in orange-pink and yellow-green hues. It thrives indoors in bright light, adding a touch of color to any home or office space.
Flowering succulents are the perfect addition to any garden, offering beautiful blooms and easy care. With minimal watering, bright light, and a little attention, these plants will thrive and provide vibrant, long-lasting color. Whether you’re a novice or an expert gardener, these 19 flowering succulents are sure to enhance your space with their unique and stunning blooms.
