Cold Hardy Cacti And Succulents That Can Withstand Frost
Last Updated on July 6, 2023
If you are looking for a plant that can withstand frost, cold hardy cacti and succulents are a great option. These plants are native to regions with cold winters and hot summers, so they are used to extreme temperatures. Cacti and succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, which helps them survive during periods of drought.
They also have thick skin or fur that protects them from the sun and wind. When choosing a cold hardy plant, it is important to consider your climate and the conditions of your garden.
Ep. 23 – Cold Hardy CACTI & Succulents that YOU can grow in your Garden
Looking for a plant that can withstand the cold? Check out these cold hardy cacti and succulents!
These plants are native to colder climates and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F.
So, if you live in an area with cooler winters, these plants would be perfect for your garden.
Here are some of our favorite cold hardy cacti and succulents:
1. Opuntia fragilis – Also known as the brittle prickly pear, this cactus is native to North America and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F.
It’s a great choice for gardens in colder climates.
2. Sempervivum tectorum – A type of houseleek, this succulent is native to Europe and Asia and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F. It’s perfect for rock gardens or adding interest to your landscaping.
3. Sedum alpestre – A member of the sedum family, this plant is native to Europe and Asia and can tolerate temperatures down to -30°F. It’s perfect for adding color to your landscape with its pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in summertime.
Cold Hardy Tall Cactus
Tall cacti are one of the most popular types of cactus because they are easy to care for and make a great addition to any home. They are also very tolerant of cold weather, making them ideal for those who live in colder climates.
There are many different types of tall cacti, but some of the most popular include the saguaro, organ pipe, and columnar cacti.
Saguaros can grow up to 60 feet tall and have large arms that give them a unique look. Organ pipes can also reach heights of 60 feet, but they have smaller arms and a slimmer shape. Columnar cacti are shorter, typically only growing to about 20 feet tall, but they have a much thicker trunk than either saguaros or organ pipes.
All three types of tall cactus are beautiful and make wonderful additions to any landscape. If you live in an area with cold winters, be sure to choose a type that is known to be cold hardy so that your plant will survive the winter months without any problems.
Rare Cold Hardy Succulents
If you’re a succulent enthusiast, chances are you’ve already heard of some of the more common cold hardy varieties like Sedum and Sempervivum. But did you know that there are actually quite a few other succulents that can tolerate cooler temperatures? Here are just a few of the rarer cold hardy succulents that you may not have heard of:
1. Orostachys spinosus – This unusual looking plant is native to Siberia and can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit! It’s perfect for growing in rockeries or alpine gardens.
2. Delosperma cooperi – A native of South Africa, this pretty groundcover can tolerate light frosts and even brief periods of snowfall.
It’s perfect for growing in containers or along walkways where its yellow flowers will add a splash of color in spring and summer.
3. Jovibarba heuffelii – Another great choice for rockeries or alpine gardens, this plant originates from the mountains of central Europe. It’s incredibly tolerant of both heat and cold, making it an ideal choice for those who live in extreme climates.
4. Crassula arborescens ssp. undulatifolia – A beautiful shrubby succulent from South Africa, this plant is surprisingly tolerant of cold weather and can even handle light frost without damage. Its silver-edged leaves make it a stunning addition to any garden!
5. Kalanchoe thyrsiflora – A native of Madagascar, this Kalanchoe is one tough plant! It can withstand extended periods of drought as well as very high temperatures (up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit). Its striking red flowers make it a real attention grabber in any garden!
Can Cacti Survive Winter Outside
If you live in a climate that experiences freezing winter temperatures, you may be wondering if your cactus can survive outside. The good news is that many cacti are actually quite tolerant of cold weather and can thrive outdoors even when the mercury dips.
One of the most important things to remember when caring for cacti in winter is to make sure they are getting enough light.
Many people mistakenly believe that cacti don’t need much sunlight, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, most cacti require full sun to partial shade in order to stay healthy and happy. If your cactus isn’t getting enough light, it will likely start to stretch out and become leggy over time.
Another key factor in keeping your cactus healthy during winter is making sure it doesn’t experience any drastic temperature changes. When nighttime temperatures start to dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to bring your cactus indoors or into a protected outdoor area such as a garage or shed. Cacti can also benefit from being placed on a heating mat or near a heat source during particularly cold spells.
With proper care, most cacti will do just fine outdoors all winter long!
Cold Hardy Cactus Zone 6
If you live in a colder climate and are looking for a cactus that can withstand the cold, then you’ll want to check out cold hardy cacti. These cacti are native to colder climates and can tolerate temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Many of these cacti are also drought tolerant, making them ideal for gardens in dry regions.
Some common cold hardy cacti include:
• Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) – A popular choice for xeriscaping (dry landscaping), this cactus is native to North America and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also tolerant of poor soils and extended periods of drought.
• Cereus (Tree Cactus) – This columnar cactus is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and tolerates temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Cereus is also drought tolerant and does well in poor soils.
• Echinocereus (Hedgehog Cactus) – Another popular choice for xeriscaping, this small cactus is native to North America and tolerates temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Echinocereus is very drought tolerant and does best in sandy or gravelly soils with good drainage.
If you’re looking for a cold hardy cactus for your landscape, then one of these three would be a good option.
Cold Hardy Columnar Cactus
If you love cacti and live in a colder climate, don’t despair! There are several varieties of cold hardy columnar cactus that can withstand winter temperatures as low as -20°F. One of the most popular is the Opuntia fragilis, also known as the broken-stem or rainbow cactus.
This drought-tolerant plant is native to North America and has colorful stems that range from green to purple. It’s a fast grower and can reach up to 6 feet tall.
Another great option is the Ferocactus wislizeni, commonly called the fishhook barrel cactus.
It’s a bit slower growing than the Opuntia fragilis, but can still reach 4-5 feet in height. This type of cactus is native to Mexico and has long, slender spines that give it a unique appearance. It’s also one of the more cold tolerant columnar cacti, able to withstand temperatures down to 0°F.
So if you’re looking for a desert-scape that can survive those chilly winters, consider planting some cold hardy columnar cacti!
Credit: succulentplantcare.com
Which Succulents Can Withstand Freezing Temperatures?
When it comes to succulents, there are a few that can withstand freezing temperatures. These include: Aeoniums, Agaves, Aloes, Euphorbias, Furcraeas, Gasterias, Haworthias, Jovibarbas and Sempervivums.
Each of these succulents has its own level of tolerance when it comes to cold weather.
For example, Aeoniums can handle temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius), while Euphorbias can survive in temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius).
In general, most succulents will start to show signs of stress when the temperature dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). At this point, they will begin to lose color and their leaves may start to drop off.
If the temperature continues to drop, the plant may die.
If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s important to choose a succulent that is appropriate for your climate. While some succulents can withstand freezing temperatures, others will not fare so well.
Do your research before choosing a plant so that you can be sure it will thrive in your climate.
What Cactus Can Survive Freezing Temperatures?
One cactus that can survive freezing temperatures is the Opuntia microdasys. It is a small, round cactus with thick, fleshy pads and spines. The pads store water, which helps the plant survive in dry and cold conditions.
The Opuntia microdasys can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 degrees Celsius). Another cactus that can withstand freezing temperatures is the Echinocactus grusonii, also known as the golden barrel cactus. It is a large, spherical cactus with yellow flowers.
The Echinocactus grusonii can endure temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius).
Can Cacti Withstand Frost?
Cacti are succulents that store water in their leaves, stems, and roots. This makes them very tolerant to drought conditions but also means that they can’t tolerate frost. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the plant cells expands and ruptures the cell walls.
This results in the cactus wilting and dying.
If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s best to grow your cacti indoors where they will be protected from the elements. If you must grow them outdoors, make sure to choose a spot in your garden that is sheltered from wind and frost.
You can also cover your cacti with a light cloth or blanket when temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.
With a little care, you can enjoy these unique plants all year round – just be careful not to let them get too cold!
Can Succulents Withstand a Frost?
Yes, succulents can withstand a frost. They are native to warm climates and can tolerate cold temperatures for short periods of time. However, if the temperature drops below freezing for an extended period of time, the succulent will start to experience damage.
The leaves may turn brown and mushy, and the plant may die. If you live in an area that experiences regular frosts, it’s best to grow your succulents indoors or in a greenhouse.
Conclusion
When it comes to cold hardy cacti and succulents, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, these plants can withstand frost and even freezing temperatures. However, they will not do well if left out in the sun for too long.
It is important to give them plenty of water during the winter months, as they will dry out quickly. Also, be sure to protect them from strong winds by placing them in a sheltered spot.
