Help me make DH happy, beginner to succulents

17 years ago

He listens to me blather on about flowers and what not, now it's time to get his hands a little dirty.

He likes Succulents + We have a "container" that needs something in it = me not knowing what to do. His garden will be from whatever he likes at the big box stores for now, just to get him started and to see how keen he is with it.

We have an old, metal of some type, smoker/cooker that is too heavy to be moved so this will be his "container". I just measured the part that will be planted in and it's 6"h x 26"w x 18"d.

I will line the bottom with rocks as it's a grill and the soil will fall through. This also means that it is well draining.

Question 1: will planting in a metal container be harmful?

We're in zone 7 or 8, depending on what zonemap you use, west central TX.

Question 2: Will these have to overwinter some where warmer? Since the smoker can't be moved, should I scrounge up a styrofoam fish box or something similar to move them inside?

In the shed I have Sta Green brand bags of perlite, peat & horticulture grade vermiculite. I'm not sure why I have these, must've been a binge buy. I'm also not sure if I can use any of this...

Question 3: What do we need to get to plant his garden in? Box store suggestions only please. Please don't tell me to do a search for soil mix, I've done that and all the suggestions have only created more questions.

The container is in full sun

Question 4: He likes ones with weird shapes & textures he also tends to name them, any suggestions on what he should get to start his garden and keep him happy?

I think I've covered all my immediate questions, thank you for your patience.

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Comments (2)

sjv78736
17 years ago
Hi! and welcome to Texas! I am in Austin. Knowing where you are at would help in determining which type plants will work best for you. However, I can tell you that almost all semperviviums (hen and chicks) and sedums will grow outside year-round in this climate. They take a lot of cold as well as heat.
Note: there are some echeverias that strongly resemble semps and are called hen&chicks but they are NOT cold hardy in Texas, so you'll want to post a pic and make sure you have a correct ID, esp if buying from a bb store.
Many of the sedums are ground covers that have lovely little star shaped flowers that are amongst the first bloomers of the year. But there are other "upright" sedums that are very attractive. I suggest 'Vera Jameson' or any of the 'Spectibles' like 'Brillant' or 'Autumn Joy'. My personal favorites are Sedum Clavatum and Sedum Palmeri. Also Texas Sedum (Lenophyllum Texanum) has outstanding colors. Oh yes, and jelly beans (s. rubrotinctum) are always a delightful splash of color in a garden and very easy to find.
There are many attractive Kalanchoes and Bryophyllums but I would steer you clear of these in this garden for fear they would overtake it in short order.
Does DH want to create a mini-desert scene? If so, add some agaves or aloes...there are tons! Just be sure to get the smaller growing ones. Most agaves will do fine outside year round in zone 8. Consider 'conferate rose'.
If you are willing to dig up and transfer your plants in the winter, your choices widen significantly.
If it is a desert scene he wants and is willing to bring it in in winter, email me, I can give you some more plant names to check out. The ones I've given you here are generally considered cold hardy in zone 8. HTH -
Jo
new_in_texas
Original Author
17 years ago
sjv, We're over in San Angelo.

Knowing him, everything will have to stay outdoors.

Thank you for all the input, hopefully we'll get this started on the weekend with a few starter plants.
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Help me make DH happy, beginner to succulents

Comments (2)

sjv78736

new_in_texas
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Help me make DH happy, beginner to succulents

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sjv78736

new_in_texasOriginal Author

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