I don’t know about you, but I LOVE creating intentional color in my home gardens. So much so that I decided to put together this guide to teach you how to plant a rainbow succulent garden at home!
This is a bit easier to achieve indoors, because it’s so easy to arrange pots and planters in a color-conscious way. But this rainbow succulent garden concept can be even more stunning when planted on an outdoor scale, allowing the colored sections to grow to the size of your available space, where your garden’s colors will truly pop in full sunlight!
It’s important to note that color gardening is not an exact science. Remember that the intensity of coloration can vary depending on factors like sunlight, temperature, and overall plant health. Two different plants from the exact same succulent species might present differently than one another due to various growing factors. It’s for this reason that I’ve included a list of succulent types that feature each color of the rainbow, rather than just one or two species. This ensures that you can find a succulent that will grow in your climate and which will satisfy the specific color displays you’re seeking.
Red-Colored Succulents
There are several succulents that display red colors, either in their leaves, stems, or flowers. Here’s a list of succulents that are known for their red hues:
- Echeveria ‘Red Velvet’: This succulent has rosettes with velvety, red-tipped leaves.
- Sempervivum ‘Red Rubin’: Also known as Hens and Chicks, this succulent has red-tinged rosettes.
- Crassula ovata ‘Red Edge’: Commonly known as Red-edged Jade, this succulent has green leaves with red edges.
- Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’: Aloe varieties, like ‘Christmas Carol,’ can have reddish or copper-colored leaves.
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana ‘Flaming Katy’: This flowering succulent has vibrant red, pink, or orange blooms.
- Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’: This low-growing succulent has red foliage and is often used as ground cover.
- Euphorbia trigona ‘Rubra’: Also known as African Milk Tree, this succulent has upright stems with a reddish tint.
- Graptosedum ‘California Sunset’: This succulent has a rosette of red and orange leaves.
- Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’: Commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant, it can have red or pinkish leaves.
- Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’: Often called Black Rose or Black Aeonium, this succulent has dark, almost black, burgundy leaves.
If you’re interested in a specific shade of red or have particular growing conditions, it’s always a good idea to check with local nurseries or growers for the best options for your rainbow succulents.
Orange-Colored Succulents
Your rainbow succulent garden just wouldn’t be the same without some orange plants to separate the reds and yellows. Here’s a list of succulents that are known for their orange hues:
- Echeveria ‘Autumn Blaze’: This succulent has orange and pink tones, especially during the fall.
- Sempervivum ‘Orange Glow’: A Hens and Chicks variety with orange-red rosettes.
- Sedum nussbaumerianum (Coppertone Stonecrop): This succulent has orange or coppery leaves.
- Graptosedum ‘Vera Higgins’: A hybrid with rosettes displaying orange and pink colors.
- Aloe cameronii (Red Aloe): This Aloe species has coppery to reddish leaves.
- Kalanchoe luciae (Flapjack or Paddle Plant): The tips of the leaves turn vibrant orange or red, especially in sunlight.
- Sedeveria ‘Starburst’: A hybrid succulent with star-shaped rosettes in shades of orange and pink.
- Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’: Also known as Firesticks, this succulent has orange to red stems.
- Aeonium ‘Sunburst’: This succulent has variegated leaves with shades of yellow, green, and orange.
- Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’: The leaves of this Crassula variety turn bright orange or red under stress conditions.
Always consider the specific growing conditions when looking to maintain or enhance the orange coloration of these succulents.
Yellow-Colored Succulents
Here’s a list of succulents known for their yellow hues:
- Echeveria ‘Lemon Lime’: This succulent has yellow-green leaves, creating a lemon-lime appearance.
- Sedum adolphii (Golden Sedum): A trailing succulent with golden-yellow leaves.
- Aeonium decorum ‘Sunburst’: This Aeonium variety has variegated leaves with shades of yellow, green, and sometimes pink.
- Crassula ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’: Also known as Sunset Jade, it has yellow and red-tipped leaves.
- Sedum makinoi ‘Ogon’: A low-growing succulent with bright yellow-green leaves.
- Graptosedum ‘Golden Glow’: This succulent has yellow and green foliage, creating a golden appearance.
- Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ears Cactus): This cactus has pads covered in yellow glochids, which are tiny, hair-like spines.
- Aloe brevifolia ‘Short-leaved Aloe’: A small Aloe species with yellow-green leaves.
- Sempervivum ‘Gold Nugget’: A Hens and Chicks variety with yellow-green rosettes.
- Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Golden Sticks’: Similar to ‘Sticks on Fire,’ this succulent has yellow to golden-orange stems.
As with any succulent, it’s essential to provide the right growing conditions for the best color expression in your rainbow succulent garden.
Green-Colored Succulents
Big surprise…Green is the easiest of all the colors to locate and plant in your rainbow succulent garden! Here’s a list of succulents that are primarily green in color:
- Aloe vera: A popular succulent with long, green, fleshy leaves.
- Haworthia attenuata (Zebra Plant): This succulent has dark green, pointed leaves with distinctive white stripes.
- Echeveria elegans (Mexican Snowball): A rosette-forming succulent with pale green leaves.
- Sempervivum tectorum (Hens and Chicks): A common succulent with green rosettes, often tinged with red.
- Crassula ovata (Jade Plant): Typically green with thick, shiny leaves, though some varieties may have red-tinged edges.
- Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s Tongue): Dark green, upright leaves with a distinctive, upright growth habit.
- Sedum morganianum (Burro’s Tail or Donkey Tail): A trailing succulent with cylindrical, green leaves.
- Aeonium haworthii (Pinwheel Desert Rose): This succulent forms rosettes of pale green leaves.
- Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls): A trailing succulent with round, bead-like leaves that are usually green.
- Gasteria spp. (Gasteria): These succulents have tongue-shaped, green leaves with interesting patterns and textures.
Green is the most common color for succulents, and many varieties showcase different shades, textures, and forms of green. Keep in mind that factors like sunlight, water, and growing conditions can influence the appearance of green succulents.
Blue-Colored Succulents
Blue succulents are quite popular for their unique and eye-catching coloration. They make a striking addition to any rainbow succulent project. Here’s a list of succulents known for their blue hues:
- Echeveria ‘Blue Atoll’: This succulent forms tight rosettes with powdery blue leaves.
- Sedum reflexum (Blue Spruce Stonecrop): A low-growing succulent with needle-like, blue-green leaves.
- Agave parryi (Parry’s Agave): This agave species has striking blue-gray leaves with sharp spines.
- Senecio serpens (Blue Chalksticks): A trailing succulent with cylindrical, chalky blue-green leaves.
- Echeveria ‘Blue Curls’: This variety has frilly, blue-green leaves that form a rosette.
- Pachyphytum oviferum (Moonstones): The rounded, powdery blue leaves of this succulent resemble moonstones.
- Agave americana ‘Blue Agave’: Known for its striking blue-gray leaves, this agave is also used in the production of tequila.
- Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (Flapjack or Paddle Plant): While known for its red tips, this succulent can also exhibit blue-gray leaves.
- Crassula arborescens ‘Blue Bird’: This succulent has blue-green, finger-like leaves arranged in a tree-like structure.
- Aloe polyphylla (Spiral Aloe): The leaves of this unique aloe species can display shades of blue-green.
Keep in mind that the blue coloration in succulents is often due to a waxy coating on the leaves that helps protect them from intense sunlight. The intensity of the blue color can vary based on environmental factors such as sunlight exposure and temperature.
Indigo-Colored Succulents
Finding a rainbow succulent that is truly indigo in color can be challenging, as natural indigo tones are less common in succulent varieties. However, some succulents may have bluish or purplish hues that can resemble indigo under certain conditions. Here are a few succulents with bluish or purplish tones:
- Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’: This succulent has rosettes with a blend of purple, pink, and blue-gray colors.
- Sedum sieboldii (October Daphne): This trailing succulent has blue-green leaves that can take on purplish tones, especially in cooler temperatures.
- Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks): A trailing succulent with blue-gray cylindrical leaves.
- Agave parryi var. truncata ‘Blue Flame’: While not precisely indigo, this agave variety has blue-gray leaves.
- Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’: This Jade Plant variety has tubular, greenish-blue leaves with red tips.
If you are specifically looking for true indigo-colored succulents, you may have to explore hybrid varieties or keep an eye out for new introductions in the world of succulents. Always check with local nurseries or succulent enthusiasts for the latest and most unique varieties.
Violet-Colored Succulents
While true violet-colored succulents are relatively rare, some succulents exhibit shades of purple or violet in their leaves. Here are a few examples:
- Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’: This popular succulent has rosettes with a lovely blend of purple, pink, and blue-gray colors.
- Graptoveria ‘Debbie’: A hybrid succulent with rosettes that can display violet to lavender tones.
- Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’: Also known as Black Rose, this succulent has dark burgundy to almost black leaves.
- Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’: This ground-covering succulent has deep purple foliage.
- Echeveria ‘Afterglow’: A hybrid succulent with powdery lavender-pink leaves that can take on violet tones.
- Orostachys iwarenge (Chinese Dunce Cap): This succulent has rosettes with purplish-red leaves.
- Aeonium ‘Kiwi’: While known for its variegated leaves, this succulent can exhibit shades of purple and pink.
- Sempervivum ‘Purple Passion’: A Hens and Chicks variety with purple leaves that intensify in color with sun exposure.
- Crassula rupestris ‘Tom Thumb’: This small succulent has leaves that can display purple or reddish hues.
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana ‘Fantastic’: A flowering succulent with clusters of violet-pink blooms.
Keep in mind that the intensity of the violet color in succulents can vary based on factors like sunlight, temperature, and overall plant health. If you have specific growing conditions or preferences, it’s always a good idea to check with local nurseries for specific rainbow succulent recommendations for your climate.
Rainbow Succulent Garden Care
Selecting the individual succulent types for your rainbow succulent garden is arguably the funnest part of this project. Next will come acquiring them, planting them, and then caring for them. Here are a few handy guides to help with the other steps of this process.
