Types Of Succulents That Grow Tall: Adding Height to Your Garden

Are you looking for succulents that can add some height to your garden? While most people associate succulents with low-growing rosettes, there are some species that can grow surprisingly tall. In this article, we'll go over the different types of succulents that can add some vertical interest to your garden.

Why Choose Tall Succulents?

Tall succulents can make a big impact in your garden design. They can be used as focal points or to create a sense of drama and movement. They also work well in mixed planters, adding texture and color contrast to shorter plants.

One of the advantages of tall succulents is that they typically require less maintenance than other types of plants. Many succulents are drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot, dry conditions. As long as they have good drainage and aren't overwatered, they can be relatively easy to care for.

1. Agave Americana

Agave Americana, also known as the century plant, is a striking succulent that can grow up to 8 feet tall. It has blue-green leaves that are edged with sharp spines. The plant blooms once in its lifetime, sending up a tall stalk that can reach up to 30 feet high. While the plant dies after it blooms, it can take several decades to do so.

Agave americana is a great choice for a dramatic accent plant in your garden. However, it's important to note that the spines on the leaves can be quite sharp, so be careful when handling it.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a popular succulent that is prized for its medicinal properties. It can also grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to 4 feet. The plant has long, fleshy leaves that are green with white spots. It blooms in the summer, sending up a tall spike of orange or yellow flowers.

Aloe vera is a great choice for a plant that can be both beautiful and useful. The gel inside the leaves can be used to soothe burns, cuts, and other skin irritations.

3. Euphorbia Ingens

Euphorbia Ingens, also known as the candelabra tree, is a succulent tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The plant has a thick trunk and multiple branches that are topped with clusters of green leaves. In the summer, the plant produces small yellow flowers.

Euphorbia Ingens is a dramatic plant that can add height and structure to your garden design. However, it's important to note that the sap from the plant can be toxic and irritating to the skin, so be careful when handling it.

4. Senecio Mandraliscae

Senecio Mandraliscae, also known as blue chalksticks, is a low-maintenance succulent that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant has long, narrow blue-green leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern. In the summer, the plant produces tiny white or yellow flowers.

Senecio Mandraliscae is a great choice for a plant that can add some vertical interest without taking up too much space. It also works well in containers or as a groundcover.

5. Yucca Rostrata

Yucca Rostrata, also known as beaked yucca, is a striking succulent that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant has a single trunk that is topped with a rosette of blue-green leaves. In the summer, the plant produces a tall stalk of white flowers.

Yucca Rostrata is a great choice for a focal point in your garden design. It's also relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in hot, dry conditions.

6. Furcraea Foetida

Furcraea Foetida, also known as the Mauritius hemp, is a succulent that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant has long, narrow leaves that are green with white stripes. In the summer, the plant produces a tall stalk of white flowers.

Furcraea Foetida is a great choice for a plant that can add some height and texture to your garden. However, it's important to note that the leaves can be quite sharp, so be careful when handling it.

7. Dracaena Draco

Dracaena Draco, also known as the dragon tree, is a succulent tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. The plant has a single trunk that is topped with a rosette of green leaves. In the summer, the plant produces small white or greenish-yellow flowers.

Dracaena Draco is a dramatic plant that can add height and structure to your garden design. However, it's important to note that the sap from the plant can be toxic and irritating to the skin, so be careful when handling it.

8. Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi

Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi, also known as lavender scallops, is a succulent that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant has thick, fleshy leaves that are gray-green with purple edges. In the summer, the plant produces small pink or white flowers.

Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi is a great choice for a plant that can add some color and texture to your garden. It also works well in containers or as a groundcover.

9. Pachypodium Lamerei

Pachypodium Lamerei, also known as the Madagascar palm, is a succulent tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant has a thick trunk that is topped with a rosette of green leaves. In the summer, the plant produces small white or yellow flowers.

Pachypodium Lamerei is a dramatic plant that can add height and structure to your garden design. However, it's important to note that the sap from the plant can be toxic and irritating to the skin, so be careful when handling it.

10. Sansevieria Cylindrica

Sansevieria Cylindrica, also known as cylindrical snake plant, is a succulent that can grow up to 5 feet tall. The plant has long, narrow leaves that are green with gray-green stripes. In the summer, the plant produces small white or greenish-yellow flowers.

Sansevieria Cylindrica is a great choice for a plant that can add some height and texture to your garden. It also works well in containers or as a houseplant.

11. Furcraea Parmentieri

Furcraea Parmentieri, also known as the Cuban hemp, is a succulent that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant has long, narrow leaves that are green with white stripes. In the summer, the plant produces a tall stalk of white flowers.

Furcraea Parmentieri is a great choice for a plant that can add some height and texture to your garden. However, it's important to note that the leaves can be quite sharp, so be careful when handling it.

12. Aeonium Arboreum

Aeonium Arboreum, also known as tree aeonium, is a succulent that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant has rosettes of green leaves that are edged with red. In the summer, the plant produces small yellow flowers.

Aeonium Arboreum is a great choice for a plant that can add some vertical interest to your garden design. It also works well in mixed planters or as a houseplant.

13. Euphorbia Ingens Spiralis

Euphorbia Ingens Spiralis, also known as spiral euphorbia, is a succulent tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The plant has a thick trunk and multiple branches that are topped with clusters of green leaves. In the summer, the plant produces small yellow flowers.

Euphorbia Ingens Spiralis is a dramatic plant that can add height and structure to your garden design. However, it's important to note that the sap from the plant can be toxic and irritating to the skin, so be careful when handling it.

14. Yucca Elephantipes

Yucca Elephantipes, also known as giant yucca, is a succulent tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The plant has a single trunk that is topped with a rosette of green leaves. In the summer, the plant produces a tall stalk of white flowers.

Yucca Elephantipes is a great choice for a plant that can add some height and drama to your garden design. It's also relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in hot, dry conditions.

15. Dracaena Fragrans

Dracaena Fragrans, also known as corn plant, is a succulent tree that can grow up to 8 feet tall. The plant has a single trunk that is topped with a rosette of green leaves. In the summer, the plant produces small white or greenish-yellow flowers.

Dracaena Fragrans is a great choice for a plant that can add some height and structure to your garden design. It also works well as a houseplant.

Tall succulents can add some drama and interest to your garden design. From the towering agave americana to the striking yucca rostrata, there are many different types of succulents that can grow surprisingly tall. When selecting a tall succulent for your garden, be sure to consider its mature size, growth rate, and sunlight requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do all succulents stay small?

A: No, there are several types of succulents that can grow quite tall. Some, like the agave americana and euphorbia ingens, can even reach heights of 20 feet or more.

Q2. Can tall succulents be grown in containers?

A: Yes, many tall succulents can be grown in containers. However, it's important to choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and to provide good drainage.

Q3. Are tall succulents hard to care for?

A: Not necessarily. Many succulents are drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot, dry conditions. However, it's important to make sure that the soil has good drainage and that the plant isn't overwatered.

Q4. Can tall succulents be propagated?

A: Yes, many tall succulents can be propagated by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Q5. Are tall succulents safe for pets?

A: Some succulents can be toxic to pets if ingested. Be sure to research the toxicity of any plant before bringing it into your home or garden.

Q6. How often do tall succulents need to be watered?

A: This depends on the species of succulent and the growing conditions. In general, most succulents prefer to be watered infrequently but deeply.

Q7. Do tall succulents need full sun?

A: Many tall succulents prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

Q8. Can tall succulents be pruned?

A: Yes, many tall succulents can be pruned to control their size or shape. However, it's important to use sharp, clean tools and to avoid cutting into the woody stem of the plant.

Q9. How long do tall succulents live?

A: This depends on the species of succulent and the growing conditions. Some succulents, like the agave americana, can live for several decades before blooming and dying.

Q10. Can tall succulents be used in xeriscaping?

A: Yes, tall succulents are a great choice for xeriscaping, as they are drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot, dry conditions.