12 Succulents That Are Perfect For Planters

1. Aeonium
(Aeonium spp.)These grand dames of the succulent world look like saucer-sized flowers in garden beds. Most are native to the Canary Islands, with fleshy leaves that vary from yellow (Aeonium ?Sunburst?), shown here, to dark red (Aeonium ?Cyclops?).
Aeoniums can get leggy after a few years. Cut them back anytime other than in summer, leaving a few inches below each rosette, and allow the cutting to dry out before replanting it in dry soil.

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Plant taller-growing varieties to add height and drama to container combinations. Dark-leaved ?Zwartkop? aeonium (Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum ?Zwartkop?), shown here, will eventually grow up to 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Here ?Zwartkop? is planted in a trio with dusty echeveria and a variegated agave.
Where it will grow: Varies by variety; many are hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 9 to 11; find your zone)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun in coastal conditions; filtered light or partial shade inland
Mature size: 1 foot tall and wide to 5 feet tall and wide, depending on variety

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2. Agave
(Agave spp.)With their bold architectural forms, agaves make great statement plants in containers. For small to medium-size planters, look for varieties that stay fairly compact, like ?Blue Glow? agave (Agave ?Blue Glow?), shown here, artichoke agave (Agave parryi var. truncata) and foxtail agave (Agave attenuata).

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Show off the starburst form of foxtail agave (Agave attenuata ?Ray of Light? is shown here) by planting it on its own in a container. Foxtail agaves are more sensitive to cold and baking heat than other species. Keep them out of direct sun in hot climates and provide shelter from frost.
Where it will grow: Varies widely by species; some are hardy to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.7 degrees Celsius (zones 10 to 12); others are hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Water requirement: Low; a few species need moderate water
Light requirement: Full sun is best for most; some require partial shade.
Mature size: 1 foot tall and wide to more than 4 feet tall and wide, depending on variety