In our busy lives, mini succulents, with their cute forms, can be pretty soothing, while giant succulents impress us with their grand and extraordinary appearances. Many of us have done this: walked past a garden landscape filled with giant succulents, couldn't resist snapping a photo with them, and posting it on social media, marveling at how big succulents can grow.
You might wonder, what are these giant succulents? How do you choose giant succulents to create your landscape? Here, I’ll introduce you to 15 popular giant succulents perfect for your outdoor garden.
1. Agave americana
● Common Names: Century Plant, American Aloe
● Height: 8–9 m (26–30 ft)
● Width: 1.8–3.0 m (6–10 ft)
Agave americana is a massive succulent often used in desert garden landscapes. You can see it in many cactus parks. Its elegant lines and enchanting pale blue hues make it a top choice for garden landscapes. You can make it the star of your garden and build around it with other plants. However, please keep it away from paths and people, as its leaves have sharp spines.
Agave americana is very heat and drought-tolerant, so you don't have to worry about it getting sunburned in summer. Just protect it from frost in winter by covering it with warm fabric before the frost hits. Plant it in well-drained sandy soil and water regularly. In summer, water is used once a week and is adjusted according to climate and rainfall in other seasons, following the soak-and-dry principle.
2. Agave parasang
● Common Names: Cabbage Head Agave, Cabbage Head Century Plant
● Height: 1–2 ft (30–60 cm); flower stalk up to 20 ft (6 m)
● Width: 1–2 ft (30–60 cm)
Agave parrasana stands out with its short, broad leaves edged with long spines. It's perfect for flower beds or landscapes. The leaves range from blue to silvery gray, forming mysterious patterns that make this compact succulent look unique. It takes about 10 years to bloom, and its flowers grow at the top of a very tall stalk, up to 20 ft high. While the bloom is spectacular, it's a death bloom—once it flowers, the plant dies.
Agave parrasana's leaves are pretty thin, so provide some shade in summer. Like most agaves, it's drought-tolerant, but watering once a week in summer can prevent it from drying out. Since the leaves are covered with sharp spines, wear gloves when pruning, and be careful not to get pricked while admiring it.
3. Agave Angustifolia
●Common Names: Caribbean Agave
●Height: 3–4 ft
●Width: 4–6 ft
Agave angustifolia, also known as Caribbean Agave, is the raw material for mezcal. It has variegated, long green leaves with striking white edges, forming a giant rosette. This giant succulent is often used as a decorative plant in backyards or botanical gardens.
Agave angustifolia loves warm, dry climates and thrives in full sun. Ensure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Too much shade can slow its growth. It's very drought-tolerant and only needs watering once a month. Ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
4. Echeveria 'Blue Curls'
●Common Names: Blue Curls
●Height: 1 ft
●Width: 10 inches
Echeveria 'Blue Curls' is one of the larger Echeveria varieties. It has wavy, curled leaves that look like ruffled skirts. Please don’t mistake this for a vegetable in your garden landscape, though it's non-toxic. It’s best planted at the front of your landscape to enhance the overall layering effect.
Echeveria 'Blue Curls' is more drought-tolerant than agaves, especially in hot summers. Plant it with taller plants for some shade. Whether in pots or the ground, ensure good drainage. It doesn’t tolerate frost, so it’s best in frost-free areas.
5. Aeonium tabuliforme
●Common Names: Flat-topped Aeonium, Saucer Plant
●Height: 2 inch (5 cm)
●Width: 18 inch (45 cm)
Aeonium tabuliforme, also called Saucer Plant, is unique because it’s very flat, unlike other Aeoniums with long stems. The soft, overlapping leaves form a perfect shape, especially pleasing from above. This giant succulent adds a unique and fun element to your landscape.
Aeonium tabuliforme loves plenty of sunlight, making it great for outdoor gardens. It goes dormant in summer, so stop watering during this period. Water every 2-3 weeks in other seasons. It blooms only once, with tall, cone-shaped yellow flowers signaling its end.
6. Spineless Yucca
●Common Names: Yucca elephantipes, Stick Yucca, Giant Yucca
●Height: 15–30 ft
●Width: 15–25 ft
Spineless Yucca is a giant, shrub-like succulent. The main stem thickens as it ages, resembling an elephant’s leg, with sword-shaped leaves growing from branches. It can grow indoors or outdoors, though indoor potted plants will be smaller. Outdoors can even flower, and the flowers are edible.
Spineless Yucca loves at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, so outdoor planting is recommended. It’s also very cold-tolerant, so frost isn’t an issue. It needs very little water and must be planted in well-drained, sandy soil to prevent root rot.
7. Aeonium 'Cyclops'
●Common Names: Cyclops Aeonium
●Height: 4–5 ft
●Width: 12–18 inches
Aeonium 'Cyclops' is a hybrid of Aeonium undulatum and Aeonium zwartkop. Its large diameter attracts many gardeners. The waxy, glossy leaves transition from green in the center to chocolate on the edges, perfect for rock gardens.
Aeonium 'Cyclops' enjoys plenty of direct or indirect sunlight. It goes dormant in summer, wrapping its leaves to reduce energy loss, so avoid watering during this period and provide some shade to help it through dormancy.
8. Kalanchoe 'Flapjacks'
● Common Names: Paddle Plant
● Height: 2.5 ft (30–60 cm)
● Width: 12-18inch
Kalanchoe 'Flapjacks' has large, paddle-shaped green leaves with red edges, especially in bright light. Its unusual shape and color make it a great addition to any succulent garden.
Plant it in well-drained succulent soil and provide full sun to partial shade. Water sparingly, allowing the cactus soil to dry out between waterings. Please protect it from frost and intense afternoon sun.
9. Jade Plant
● Common Names: Crassula ovata, Money Plant
● Height: Up to 10 ft (3 m)
● Width: 2–3 ft (60–90 cm)
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a popular succulent with thick, glossy leaves and a tree-like growth habit. It's often grown as a houseplant but can thrive outdoors in mild climates.
Plant Jade Plant in well-drained soil and provide full sun to partial shade. Water thoroughly, but let the soil dry out between waterings.
10. Saguaro
● Common Names: Carnegiea gigantea
● Height: Up to 40 ft (12 m)
● Width: Up to 3 ft (90 cm)
The saguaro is an iconic giant cactus native to the Sonoran Desert. Its tall, columnar shape and branching arms make it a striking centerpiece in any landscape.
Plant Saguaro in well-drained sandy soil to provide full sun. Water sparingly, as it’s very drought-tolerant. It grows very slowly, so patience is required.
11. Agave underwood
● Common Names: Underwood's Agave
● Height: 3–4 ft (90–120 cm)
● Width: 75cm
Agave underwoodii has broad, sword-like leaves with sharp spines along the edges. It’s a bold and dramatic addition to any landscape.
Plant it in well-drained cactus soil and provide full sun. Water deeply but infrequently. Please protect it from frost and provide some shade in scorching climates.
12. Echeveria gigantea
● Common Names: Giant Echeveria
● Height: 16inch
● Width: 12inch
Echeveria gigantea is one of the largest Echeveria species, with rosettes that can grow up to 2 feet wide. Its large, fleshy leaves are green with pink edges.
Grow it in well-drained soil and provide plenty of sunlight to maintain its vibrant colors. Water sparingly, allowing the succulent soil to dry out completely between waterings.
13. Barrel Cactus
● Common Names: Ferocactus
● Height: 3–10 ft (90–300 cm)
● Width: 2–4 ft (60–120 cm)
Barrel Cactus is a round, ribbed cactus with long, sharp spines. Its distinctive shape makes it a standout in any desert garden.
Plant it in well-drained sandy soil and provide full sun. Water sparingly, as it’s very drought-tolerant.
14. Euphorbia ingens
● Common Names: Candelabra Tree
● Height: 10-52ft (3-16 m)
● Width: 30inch (75 cm)
Euphorbia ingens is a large, tree-like succulent with tall, branching stems resembling candelabra. It adds height and structure to any garden.
Plant it in well-drained soil and provide full sun. Water sparingly, as Euphorbia ingens is very drought-tolerant. Be careful with its milky sap, which can irritate the skin and is poisonous if swallowed. Please protect it from frost and strong winds to prevent damage to its branches.
15. Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Rosea’
● Common Names: Firesticks, Pencil Cactus
● Height: Up to 25 ft (7.6 m)
● Width: 10 ft (3m)
Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Rosea’ is known for its slender, pencil-like branches that turn bright red in cooler temperatures, nicknamed Firesticks. Its bright colors make it a stunning addition to any garden.
Plant it in well-drained succulent soil and provide full sun to partial shade. Water sparingly, as it is very drought-tolerant. Please handle it carefully, as its sap can irritate the skin and eyes.
Conclusion
Choosing suitable giant succulents for your garden can turn your outdoor space into a stunning landscape. Each plant offers unique characteristics and beauty, from the towering Saguaro to the vibrant Firesticks, a giant succulent that suits every garden style and climate.
Be sure to consider each plant's needs, including soil type, watering frequency, and sun exposure. With the proper care, these giant succulents will thrive and become impressive focal points in your garden. Happy planting!
