Gardening in Australia can be a bit of a challenge. Our sun-drenched land is stunning, but crikey, it does get hot and dry. A lot of us are after that picture-perfect garden without having to spend every spare moment with the hose or tending to plants.
Trust us, we know the struggle all too well. After doing our homework, we stumbled upon a ripper of a solution – ground cover succulents.
These beauties are tailor-made for the tough Aussie conditions. They’re not thirsty little buggers and they don’t need heaps of TLC to flourish. Plus, they’re champions at preventing soil erosion and keeping those pesky weeds at bay with very minimal effort on your part.
We’ve rounded up the top 10 succulents that’ll thrive in Australia’s climate and give your garden that wow factor without breaking a sweat.
Keen for an easier go of things in the garden?
Key Takeaways
- Ground cover succulents like Moss Rose, Creeping Sedum, and Echeveria are perfect for Australian gardens because they don’t need much water or care to thrive.
- Some of these plants, including Ghost Plant and Blue Chalksticks, can handle cold temperatures down to -12 degrees Celsius, making them versatile for different parts of Australia.
- Plants such as Parry’s Agave add stunning visuals with their large silvery – green leaves and sharp edges but remember they’re toxic to humans and pets if eaten.
- Royal Dewflower and Caucasian Stonecrop help fight soil erosion while keeping weeds away without needing lots of attention from gardeners.
- Rock Purslane stands out with its vibrant pink or purple blooms that love sun – baked spots in the garden, proving beauty doesn’t always require hard work.
Top 10 Low Maintenance Ground Cover Succulents
We’ve picked out the best succulents that make perfect ground covers for your garden. These plants help prevent soil erosion, need little water, and add amazing textures and colours to your landscape.
Moss Rose
Moss Rose makes a great choice for Aussie gardens looking for ground covers that don’t ask much in return. This sturdy succulent loves soaking up the sun in well-drained sandy or rocky soils.
Its vibrant blooms come in several pastel shades, adding a splash of colour to your outdoor space.
This plant spreads out to cover ground quickly, reaching sizes of 1/2-1 inch tall and 2-3 feet wide. Perfect for zones where frost doesn’t linger, it can handle temperatures as low as -6°C.
Moss Rose not only beautifies your garden but also helps with erosion control, keeping soil firmly in place.
Please note: Moss Rose is toxic to humans and our furry friends and should be kept away from areas where they might wander.
Creeping Sedum
Creeping Sedum, also known as Sedum spurium, originates from the Caucasus region in Eastern Europe. This succulent ground hugger blooms with star-shaped pink flowers and presents itself in captivating varieties like Red Carpet and Blue Spruce.
It thrives best under the full gaze of the sun to partial shade, favouring well-drained soil that’s either poor or average in nutrients. This makes it a perfect choice for gardeners looking for drought-tolerant plants that add splashes of colour without needing much water.
This resilient plant typically grows to a height of 3-6 inches and can spread out 1-2 feet wide. Its size makes it an ideal option for covering ground spaces or beautifying green roofs with minimal effort.
Due to its hardy nature, Creeping Sedum is suitable across a wide range of climates, specifically USDA growing zones 3 through 8. Gardeners in frost-free areas will find this plant especially appealing for its low maintenance needs and stunning appearance throughout the year.
With Creeping Sedum in your garden, you’re bringing not just visual appeal but also embracing a gardening solution that demands little yet gives back generously. Its ability to withstand drought conditions while still offering lush foliage and vibrant blossoms ensures your outdoor space remains lively even through tough weather spells.
Echeveria
Moving from the resilient Creeping Sedum, let’s turn our attention to another jewel in the crown of ground covers, Echeveria. This stunning succulent is a darling among Australian gardeners due to its ability to flourish in arid conditions.
It’s not fussy about occasional moisture as long as it gets ample time to dry out. The plant dazzles with a range of colours that add a spectacular splash to any garden.
Echeveria demands a sunny spot and thrives in well-draining soil, making it perfect for spots that other plants might find challenging. Its low maintenance nature means you won’t be spending every weekend tending to it; just plant, enjoy its beauty and watch it thrive with minimal fuss.
With such ease of care combined with visual appeal, Echeveria makes an excellent choice for adding vibrancy and life to your outdoor spaces without adding extra chores to your list.
Ghost Plant
Shifting from the vibrant Echeveria, we now turn our attention to another standout in Australian gardens, the Ghost Plant. This unique plant brings a touch of intrigue with its powdery coating that covers the leaves, setting it apart in any garden display.
It shows off star-shaped flowers in shades of white or yellow, adding a sprinkle of color amidst its eerie beauty. Hardy enough to brave temperatures as low as -12 degrees Celsius, it’s an ideal choice for gardeners seeking plants that can weather the cooler months.
We love how Ghost Plant adapts well to desert-like conditions but also manages if given occasional moisture – making it a versatile friend for drought-prone Aussie gardens. Just make sure you tuck it into well-drained soil under full sun and keep foot traffic at bay to let it spread without harm.
Remember, despite its peaceful name, Ghost Plant can sprawl quite vigorously if left unchecked; so while it beautifies your garden spaces with various hues thanks to its colorful leaves, keeping an eye on its growth is wise.
“A ghostly presence that enriches gardens with minimal fuss.”
Blue Chalksticks
Blue Chalksticks, known scientifically as Senecio serpens, stand out in Australian gardens for their unique color and hardiness. Originating from South Africa, these fascinating plants bring a touch of blue-gray to the landscape.
They’re perfect for areas that don’t see frost, thriving in temperatures as low as -6 degrees Celsius. During summer, they surprise us with white to chartreuse flowers, adding a splash of color against their cool-toned foliage.
Caring for Blue Chalksticks is hassle-free. They excel in full sunshine or partial shade and prefer soil that drains well to avoid waterlogging. Their ability to spread up to 90 cm wide while staying relatively low makes them excellent choices for ground cover, aiding in erosion control without overwhelming your garden space.
Despite their beauty, it’s crucial to know these succulents are toxic if ingested by humans or animals.
The next choice we explore brings its own charm and resilience into your outdoor spaces – Parry’s Agave.
Parry’s Agave
Parry’s Agave, also known as Agave parryi, brings a touch of the American Southwest and Mexico to Australian gardens. This hardy plant sports large silvery-green leaves edged with sharp needles.
It loves soaking up the sun in well-drained sandy or rocky soil, making it perfect for areas that other plants might struggle in. With its ability to withstand temperatures down to -12°C (10°F), Parry’s Agave is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for drought-tolerant options.
This succulent reaches a mature size of 0.3-0.9 metres tall and wide, fitting nicely into smaller spaces or as part of larger landscape designs. Its compact size combined with striking appearance adds visual interest to any garden spot.
Keep in mind, though, this plant comes with a caution – it’s toxic to both humans and animals if ingested.
Moving on from Parry’s Agave opens up more opportunities to explore other ground cover succulents like Royal Dewflower that thrive in similar conditions but add their unique charm and colour to your outdoor space.
Royal Dewflower
We’ve got our eyes on the Royal Dewflower for Australian gardens craving a touch of majesty with minimal fuss. Hailing from South Africa, this succulent ground cover lights up any garden with its showy pink, purple, and red flowers during summer.
Its narrow leaves add to its charm, creating a cool grey-green backdrop for the vibrant blooms.
This plant loves soaking up the sun and thrives in well-drained soil, making it a perfect fit for USDA growing zones 9 to 11. With a mature size reaching about half a foot tall and stretching out to 3 feet wide, Royal Dewflower covers ground beautifully without needing much water or care.
It’s tough enough to handle hot and dry conditions typical in many parts of Australia but remember to plant it where people won’t step on it. Ideal for those who love their gardens but not the work that usually comes with them, this drought-tolerant marvel proves low maintenance doesn’t mean low impact when it comes to beauty.
Caucasian Stonecrop
Caucasian Stonecrop, or Sedum spurium, comes from the Caucasus region of Eastern Europe and fits right into Australian gardens. This plant loves full sun and barely needs any water, making it perfect for our hot and dry conditions.
It grows up to 3-6 inches tall and spreads out to about 1-2 feet wide. That means it covers garden beds nicely while fighting off weeds.
What’s great about this succulent is that nearly anyone can grow it. Whether you’re new to gardening or have been at it for years, Caucasian Stonecrop won’t let you down. It covers ground quickly, stops soil from washing away, and keeps those pesky weeds in check without needing much care at all.
Plus, its tolerance for different climates makes it a solid choice across various parts of Australia.
Next on our list is Rock Purslane…
Rock Purslane
Shifting our focus from Caucasian Stonecrop, let’s explore another fantastic option for your garden – Rock Purslane (Calandrinia grandiflora). This succulent comes to life with vibrant pink or purple blooms that are sure to catch the eye.
It loves soaking up the sun in well-drained sandy or rocky soils. Perfectly suited for the Aussie climate, it stands up well to both heat and drought.
Rock Purslane doesn’t just survive; it thrives with minimal care, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance beauty. Its bright flowers add a pop of colour against its green leaves, providing a striking contrast in your garden throughout most of the year.
Thanks to its deep roots and ability to handle dry spells, this plant is not considered an invasive species despite its robust growth. It beautifully blankets areas of your outdoor space with color and texture without demanding much in return—no wonder more Aussies are turning their gardens into showcases with this durable yet delicate-looking succulent.
Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’
Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ thrives in our tough Australian climate. This ground cover succulent, native to the Caucasus region of Eastern Europe, adapts well to full sun and partial shade.
It grows best in well-drained, poor or average soil. This makes it a top choice for gardeners who face challenges with dry conditions. Its ability to grow low means it can stop soil from washing away, keep weeds at bay, and fill up spaces that are often forgotten.
This plant is hardy and asks for very little care, fitting perfectly into the busy Australian lifestyle. With its capability to survive hot and dry weather, Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ is ideal for areas in USDA growing zones 3 to 8.
It reaches a height of about 8-15 cm and spreads out 30-60 cm wide. The plant needs just a bit of water and plenty of sunlight to thrive. Its tightly bunched leaves and starry pink flowers bring life and colour even to the poorest soils.
Growing Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ is easy; it spreads quickly over time. Gardeners can mix it with rocks and gravel for an attractive rock garden appearance that requires minimal upkeep once established.
Discover More at Bindy
At Bindy, we open doors to a vast world of succulent gardening that thrives in Aussie conditions. With our focus on drought-tolerant wonders like Parry’s agave and royal dewflower, we guide enthusiasts on how to beautify their outdoor spaces with minimal effort.
Our platform sheds light on proper soil choices and the significance of ensuring your plants have enough room to drain. This way, your garden not only survives but also flourishes under the Australian sun.
We offer hands-on advice for those just starting out with succulents. From selecting the right species from the stonecrop family to crafting visually stunning arrangements that captivate anyone’s gaze – we cover it all.
Plus, our insights from authoritative experts bring valuable expertise right to your fingertips. Whether you’re in USDA zone 9 or elsewhere across this great land, Bindy is here to help you succeed in creating low maintenance yet breathtaking gardens full of life and colour.
Conclusion
These ten ground-hugging succulents make gardening in Australia a breeze. They thrive with little water, resist heat, and brighten spaces with minimal fuss. From the vibrant Moss Rose to the sturdy Parry’s Agave and beyond, each plant adds unique charm to gardens while demanding little in return.
They prove perfect for adding life to challenging spots without overwhelming beginners or seasoned green thumbs alike. With these dependable varieties, your garden will flourish under the sun, showcasing resilience and beauty with ease.
FAQs
1. What are some low maintenance ground cover succulents for Australian gardens?
Parry’s agave (Agave parryi) and royal dewflower (Drosanthemum speciosum) are great choices for Aussie gardens because they’re drought tolerant and need little care.
2. Why choose drought-tolerant plants like hens and chicks or A. parryi?
Drought-tolerant plants such as hens and chicks or A. parryi save water, making them perfect for Australia’s dry conditions while keeping your garden looking lush.
3. Can these succulents handle the hot Australian sun?
Yes, these succulents thrive in full sunlight, making them ideal for sunny spots in Australian gardens where other plants might struggle.
4. Do I need to water my ground cover succulents often?
Not really! These low-maintenance succulents require minimal watering, fitting well with a busy lifestyle or if you’re not always around to tend to your garden.