If you’re a beginner gardener looking to add some greenery to your outdoor space, succulent rock garden plants are an excellent choice. Not only are they low-maintenance, but they also add unique texture and interest to your garden. In this article, we’ll recommend five easy-to-care-for succulent plants that are perfect for a novice gardener’s first rock garden.
These 5 succulent plants are all relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. They also come in a range of colors and shapes, so you can choose the ones that best fit your aesthetic preferences. Remember to plant them in well-draining soil and water them sparingly, as overwatering can be a common mistake with succulent plants.
1. Stonecrop
Stonecrops, also called sedums, are a great choice for a rock garden because they are hardy, drought-tolerant, and come in a variety of colors and textures. They can tolerate a range of growing conditions, they also do well in rocky, well-drained soil, and require little maintenance. Some popular varieties include ‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Dragon’s Blood’.
2. Hens and Chicks
Hens and chicks, also known as Sempervivum tectorum, are small, rosette-forming plants that are very easy to grow. They are hardy succulents that can tolerate cold temperatures and are easy to care for. They come in a range of colors and sizes, and are perfect for planting in small crevices in a rock garden.
3. Ice Plant
Ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little care, making it a great choice for a novice gardener. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. It can grow in poor, rocky soil, making it a great choice for a rock garden. It is also tolerant of heat and sun exposure. Its bright, showy flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
4. Moss Rose
Portulaca grandiflora, commonly known as moss rose or purslane, can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including poor, sandy soil, and is drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for a rock garden. It requires minimal maintenance, which is ideal for beginner gardeners who may not have a lot of time or experience. It produces vibrant, eye-catching flowers that are not only beautiful to look at but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden.
5. Cliff Maids
Lewisia cotyledon, known by the common name cliff maids, is a small plant that typically grows to be only a few inches tall, making it a good option for small rock gardens or for planting in crevices or between rocks. It produces bright, showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, white and yellow, which can add a pop of color to any rock garden. The plant is adapted to dry conditions and can tolerate periods of drought. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade.
These succulent plants are all hardy and relatively low-maintenance, making them perfect for a novice gardener’s first rock garden. Just be sure to choose plants that are suited to your specific growing zone and conditions, and provide them with well-draining soil and appropriate sunlight.
