In Zone 8b, the best succulents to grow are those with low water requirements. This means you can water them less and let them do their thing. Some plants can even rot if you don’t give them enough water. Sempervivum heuffelii is a good choice if you’re looking for plants that grow in zones eight and nine. Its attractive flowers and low maintenance requirements make it a good choice for Zone 8b.
Claret Cup Cactus
The growing conditions of Claret Cup cacti are similar to those of agave plants. The soil should be well-drained and the plant must be watered sparingly during the dry season. Fertilizing is optional, but it is best to use liquid fertilizer containing potassium. In winter, watering should be suspended. Watering should be done at least twice a week, but not more than once.
The climate of zone 8b is moderate to warm. The Echinocereus triglochidiatus can survive temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Pests and diseases are very rare on hedgehog cacti. Scale and mealybugs may attack the plant but can usually be controlled with neem oil sprays. Insects are also a potential problem.
Watering the Claret Cup is relatively easy. After planting, water the plant well once a week. Water it every two to four weeks during dry periods. Watering should stop in early fall, or in late winter if it is kept in a moist area. The Claret Cup thrives best in fast-draining soil and is not suitable for heavy clay soil. But it is worth considering if you live in an area where rainfall can be minimal.
If you want a showy plant, consider growing the largest species of the Claret Cup cactus in your garden. This plant is a native of the Mojave Desert and grows wild in Joshua tree forests, creosote scrub, and Juniper-Juniper woodland. Its range extends from southeastern California to Utah. The plant grows to 15 inches and produces a spectacular mound of flowers.
Red Yucca
A hardy succulent that can grow up to three feet tall, Red Yucca is a popular landscape plant. Its foliage is reminiscent of that of yuccas and is typically blue-green with white fibers along the edges. Its flowers are tubular and appear in clusters on pink stalks and start blooming in early summer. They remain in bloom for most of the year. In winter, the foliage takes on a purplish tint.
For best results, plant red yucca in full sun or partial shade in a well-drained, sandy soil. In addition to the proper soil, red yucca also prefers to be kept at least two feet away from sidewalks or driveways. For its first growing season, water the succulent regularly but make sure not to let it become soggy. It will need occasional deep watering during periods of hot, dry weather.
Although not a true yucca, Red Yucca is a good choice for a garden in zones eight and nine. Not only does it tolerate hot, dry conditions, but it can be used for food and even rope. The non-woody parts of the plant are edible. The yucca fruit is edible, and the seeds are often ground up and ground into flour. The flowers of the plant are also edible.
The foliage of Red Yucca is narrow, leathery and linear, and the flowers are yellow with golden throats. Plant it in a rock garden or mass with other grasses. It also makes an attractive accent for patios. But if you’re growing it in a pot, make sure it’s in full sun and well-drained soil. During their blooming season, the leaves are susceptible to scale insects and aphids.
Sempervivum heuffelii
This drought-tolerant succulent grows in a variety of climates. It is frost-hardy to -30F and can overwinter in a covered pot under a blanket of snow. Although this succulent does not require a lot of water, it does benefit from some fertilizer, as it adds nutrients to the soil. Its roots require little water, and they will self-propagate when new leaves emerge from the pot.
‘Sunset’ is an outstanding choice for zone 8b. This succulent produces offsets from its stolons. Offsets break away from the parent plant, while ‘Pacific Blue Ice’ produces flowers with blue silvery hues. ‘Jade Rose’ is another good choice, with its stunning red flowers. The foliage of this succulent is almost white and is surrounded by a dark purple center.
The name sempervivum means “eternal life,” which explains why this plant can survive extreme cold. Sempervivum heuffelii is a genus of succulents, which means “ever-living.” Mountain Crest Gardens’ semps, a hardy sedum, survived eighteen inches of snow in zone 8b last year, and survived a -15-degree night without a problem. The flowers of these plants vary throughout the year, and the warm color of the winter may settle back into a greenish hue by late summer.
Despite their name, the succulents grow best in containers. Make sure that the pots have good drainage holes. Watering them daily while new is fine. For established plants, water once a week during summer or twice a month during the winter months. Avoid overwatering them, as overwatering them may lead to root damage. Soils should be pH neutral between 6.5 and 7.5.
Sedum spurium
When you decide to add a cactus to your garden, you should choose the Sedum spurium. These plants are known for their rich burgundy foliage and colorful flowers. They have scalloped leaves and are typically green but can develop red edging as the seasons progress. Sedum spurium can survive temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. They are low-maintenance plants and add a touch of winter interest to a rock garden, container arrangement, or living wall.
There are several varieties of sedum spurium that are suitable for growing in the southern United States. Sedum spurium ‘Pink Lady’ is a two-row sedum with pink-tinted foliage and pink flowers in the summer. Spectacular Red and Dragon’s Blood are also available. Dragon’s Blood, Sedum ‘Variegatum’, and ‘Tricolor’ are among the most beautiful varieties available. These plants grow slowly and need little water once established.
Autumn Joy sedum is a perennial plant with clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers in late summer and early autumn. These small, star-shaped flowers draw pollinators and are followed by a coppery-red color in the fall. The leaves are gray-green and succulent. It is a popular plant in many countries and is available in many colors. It is also easy to propagate and can tolerate cold winters.
Tricolor Sedum is a great groundcover and works well in containers. It also works as a splash of interest in rock walls. It is a versatile plant that can be used in containers for late summer blooming plants. Sedums are popular for green roofs because they don’t need much soil and thrive in dry conditions. You should add pumice to your garden bed or container mix to encourage the growth of lush sedum plants.
Prickly pear cactus
When planting prickly pears, plant them at the same level as their current growth. Planting them deeper can cause them to rot and their tops to break off. To prevent this from happening, make sure you have extra hands to help lift and place them into the planting hole. You should wear thick gloves and heavy sleeves, as the spines can be sharp and irritating to the skin.
There are many varieties of prickly pear, with several of them being low-growing and spread-out. These plants can be found on dunes and are very attractive. The nopals on O. santarita are purple in fall and have rounded cladodes. This succulent thrives in zones 8b and below. The plants can be trimmed to make them smaller for pots or containers.
The soil that prickly pears like best is rocky and sandy. You can’t plant them in a humid area, as their roots will rot. The prickly pear is a perfect succulent for a cool climate, but it will need full sun to flower well. Prickly pears also tolerate high temperatures and drought. In addition, they are drought and heat-tolerant.
Prickly pears do not usually suffer from any serious disease or insect problems. Their only problem may be poor drainage. Prickly pears are often edible, and many species have edible pads, or nopales. The fruit, also known as tuna fruit, is edible and can be harvested anytime of the year. If you’re lucky enough to grow one of these plants in your garden, you can harvest them at any time of the year. You can harvest the pads as many as six times a year, and they are quite fast-growing, so you can do so almost every season!
