Looking for Cold-Hardy Succulents and Cacti for Rainy Vancouver
Asked by Qwerty1234!
Hey everyone! I'm located in Vancouver and have been collecting a wide variety of succulents over the past three years, including Lithops, Conophytums, and Echeveria. I used to have over 150 species, but my interest has started to wane. Each winter, I have to bring all my plants indoors and use a really bright grow light, which ends up being a hassle and can even cause them to stretch out and lose their vibrant colors. It's just not very fulfilling trying to keep desert plants in the wet, cold climate here. I'm looking to revamp my collection and want to know if there are any interesting cacti or succulents that I could keep on my balcony year-round. I know about some sempervivum and prickly pear, but what other options could thrive in this damp environment with our short summers and freezing winters?
Answers
Have you considered Yucca glauca? It's tough and can handle the cold winters because it grows wild in places like Alberta. The plant itself might not be super eye-catching, but it produces these really beautiful flowers that can brighten up your space!
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Totally feel you on the grow light issue! It lights up my apartment like a Christmas tree too. Sempervivum seems to be doing well for my neighbor despite the weather, so maybe try that one out!
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I'd suggest looking into sempervivum, sedums, and hylotelephiums. They're pretty resilient and do well in cooler conditions, plus they come in various shapes and colors, which can keep your collection interesting!
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Living in Vancouver can be tough with all the moisture, but many sedums and opuntias can handle it well. Just plant them in something well-draining to avoid sogginess. Happy planting!
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I've had good luck with bunny ears prickly pear (Opuntia) on my patio, although wind can be an issue up high. You might also want to give cold-hardy sedums a shot. Just make sure to use a gritty substrate to prevent overwatering, since the rain can be pretty heavy in Vancouver!
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Qwerty1234!: Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely consider both the bunny ears and sedums. I want to make sure they can handle the rain!