14 Tall Succulent Varieties Perfect for Outdoor Spaces

If you are looking to add height and interest to your garden, tall succulents are a great option. These plants can stand out with their unique shapes and vibrant colors, providing a focal point in your landscape. Not only do they require little care, but they also bring a refreshing touch of nature. Tall succulents are versatile and can be placed in both outdoor gardens and indoor spaces. With the right selection, they can thrive in different climates and soil conditions.

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Euphorbia Ingens (Candelabra Spurge)

Euphorbia Ingens, or the Candelabra Spurge, is a tall succulent that can grow up to 20 feet in height. It has tall, columnar stems that branch out, creating a candelabra-like shape. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is extremely drought-tolerant and needs very little watering once established.

The Candelabra Spurge is perfect for creating dramatic vertical elements in the garden. It produces small, yellowish flowers in the summer, although it is mostly grown for its unique form. While it is a hardy plant, its sap can cause skin irritation, so handle it with care. Euphorbia Ingens is ideal for hot, dry climates and xeriscaping.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is one of the most popular tall succulents, known for its healing properties. It can reach an average height of 2 to 3 feet, making it a striking plant in your garden. Aloe Vera thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, and it does best with minimal watering. Care is easy, as it only needs occasional watering when the soil is completely dry.

This plant is also known for its medicinal uses, with gel from its leaves used to soothe skin burns and irritations. Aloe Vera is a hardy plant that can survive in many different climates, though it should be protected from frost. It does not require much attention, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. With proper care, it can last for many years.

Agave Blue Glow

Agave Blue Glow is a compact but striking succulent that grows up to 2 to 3 feet tall. It features bright blue-green leaves with orange margins, giving it a glowing appearance, especially in the sun. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. Watering should be done only when the soil is dry, as it is quite drought-tolerant.

The unique coloration and shape of Agave Blue Glow make it an attractive addition to any garden. It is a slow-growing plant that requires little maintenance, making it ideal for low-care landscaping. Agave Blue Glow also produces tall flower spikes that bloom in the spring, adding another layer of beauty. It is perfect for hot, dry climates and looks great when paired with other desert plants.

Kalanchoe Luciae (Paddle Plant)

Kalanchoe Luciae, or the Paddle Plant, grows to about 3 feet in height and has large, paddle-shaped leaves. These leaves are typically green but turn bright red and yellow at the tips when exposed to full sunlight. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires well-drained soil. Water it sparingly, as it is highly drought-tolerant.

The Paddle Plant is known for its dramatic colors, especially when the tips of the leaves are sun-stressed. It is a great choice for gardens with limited watering or for gardeners who want low-maintenance plants. Kalanchoe Luciae can produce small yellow flowers in the spring, adding to its charm. It is an excellent option for creating bold, colorful garden designs.

Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’

Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ is a tall, rosette-forming succulent known for its soft, pastel-colored leaves. It grows to about 12 to 18 inches in height, making it a striking addition to your garden. This succulent needs plenty of sunlight, but should be protected from harsh midday sun to avoid sunburn. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Its beautiful, pinkish hue is a popular feature among succulent enthusiasts, and it is often used in arrangements. Echeveria is relatively easy to care for, thriving in both containers and garden beds. To keep it healthy, make sure the plant has good air circulation and is not exposed to excess moisture. It is perfect for those looking to add color and texture to their garden.

Crassula Ovata (Jade Plant)

Crassula Ovata, also known as the Jade Plant, is a popular succulent that can reach up to 3 feet in height. Its thick, fleshy leaves are bright green, with some varieties displaying red edges in the sunlight. The Jade Plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires well-draining soil. Water it sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

The Jade Plant is known for its ability to store water in its leaves, making it highly drought-tolerant. It is a low-maintenance plant, perfect for both indoor and outdoor gardens. Jade Plants can also produce small white or pink star-shaped flowers when mature. It is a long-living plant, often passed down through generations as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Agave Americana

Agave Americana, or the Century Plant, is a large, dramatic succulent that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has long, thick leaves that spread outward, making it a bold statement piece in any garden. The plant requires plenty of sunlight and dry, well-draining soil to thrive. Watering should be minimal, especially in cooler months, to prevent root rot.

While Agave Americana can live for several years, it only flowers once before dying, a unique feature that adds to its appeal. It can withstand heat and drought, making it perfect for xeriscaping or dry landscapes. Once established, it requires little attention, aside from occasional pruning. Its size and structure make it perfect for creating focal points in your garden.

Yucca Aloifolia

Yucca Aloifolia, or the Spanish Bayonet, can grow up to 6 feet tall and has sharp, spiky leaves that stand out in any garden. It is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in full sunlight and requires well-drained soil. This succulent is drought-tolerant and should only be watered once the soil has dried out. The plant’s hardy nature makes it perfect for dry, sunny climates.

In addition to its tall growth, Yucca Aloifolia produces white flowers that bloom on tall stalks during the summer. It is ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens. This plant is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a strong choice for low-maintenance landscaping. Once established, it requires very little care, aside from occasional pruning.

Senecio Radicans (String of Bananas)

Senecio Radicans, commonly known as String of Bananas, is a trailing succulent that grows up to 3 feet in length. This plant has small, banana-shaped leaves that cascade downward, creating a unique visual appeal. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Watering should be infrequent, as this succulent is quite drought-tolerant.

String of Bananas is well-suited for hanging baskets or tall containers where its trailing vines can spill over the sides. It is relatively low-maintenance, though it can suffer from overwatering, so always check the soil moisture. This succulent thrives in warm, dry environments and can easily survive in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. It is an excellent choice for adding a dynamic, cascading element to your garden.

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a tall, perennial succulent that grows to about 2 feet in height. It is known for its pink flowers that turn to a deep red during the fall, making it a seasonal favorite. This plant does well in full sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, as long as it drains well. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, especially in cooler months.

‘Autumn Joy’ adds beautiful color to any garden, especially in the fall when the flowers reach their peak. It attracts butterflies and other pollinators, making it a great choice for wildlife gardens. This sedum is low-maintenance, needing only occasional pruning to keep its shape. It is perfect for gardeners who want a colorful and resilient plant without much effort.

Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora

Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora, often called Flapjack, is a tall, attractive succulent that can reach up to 2 feet in height. Known for its vibrant red and green hues, it adds a pop of color to any garden. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil, with watering needs only once the soil is dry. Too much water can lead to root rot, so avoid overwatering this plant.

This succulent also produces tall, yellow flower spikes in the spring, making it even more eye-catching. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, as long as it receives adequate sunlight. Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora is easy to maintain and is perfect for beginner gardeners. It thrives in hot, dry climates and can withstand drought.

Cactus Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)

The Saguaro cactus is one of the tallest cacti, growing up to 40 feet in height. It is known for its large, ribbed structure and distinct arms that give it a classic desert appearance. This cactus needs full sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive. It also requires minimal watering, only during periods of extreme heat or drought.

The Saguaro cactus is iconic in the Southwestern United States and can live for hundreds of years. It has beautiful white flowers that bloom at night, attracting pollinators such as bats and birds. While it requires little maintenance, it is a slow grower and may take many years to reach its full height. This plant is perfect for desert-inspired gardens and low-water landscapes.

Crassula Perfoliata (Propeller Plant)

Crassula Perfoliata, or the Propeller Plant, is an eye-catching succulent with unique, propeller-like leaves. It can grow up to 3 feet in height, making it a wonderful addition to your garden’s vertical elements. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires well-drained soil. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.

In addition to its striking appearance, the Propeller Plant produces small, red or yellow flowers during the summer. It is a slow-growing plant that requires minimal care, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens. Crassula Perfoliata is perfect for adding interest and texture to any garden, especially when paired with other succulents. Its unique shape will certainly be a conversation starter.

Echeveria ‘Blue Atoll’

Echeveria ‘Blue Atoll’ is a low-growing, rosette-forming succulent that grows to about 12 to 18 inches tall. Its unique blue-gray leaves with pink edges make it a standout in any garden. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Water it sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

The ‘Blue Atoll’ variety is particularly prized for its color and compact size. It can be grown in containers or in the ground, making it versatile for different garden settings. With its minimal care requirements, it is perfect for gardeners who are looking for a simple yet stunning plant. Echeveria ‘Blue Atoll’ is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced succulent collectors.

Tall succulents offer a unique way to add height and interest to your garden. They are perfect for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants that can withstand harsh conditions. Select the best tall succulents to create a vibrant, easy-to-maintain garden space.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.