17 Best Full Sun Succulents to Grow in Your Garden

By | Updated November 28, 2023

If you’re looking for some full sun succulents to add to your garden, you’ve come to the right place.

This article will find 17 of the best plants that thrive in full sun conditions.

These plants are perfect for gardeners who live in sunny climates or want to add some vibrant color to their outdoor spaces.

So if you are looking for low maintenance plants that will add some color and interest to your garden, then check out our list of succulents!

17 Top Full Sun Succulents

These succulents tolerate full sun conditions, and are perfect for gardeners who live in sunny climates.

However, even if you don’t have a lot of sunlight available in your garden, some of these full sun plants will still thrive in partial sun conditions.

So without further ado, here is our list of the 17 best full sun succulents to grow in your garden!

Adenium Multiflorum (Impala Lily)

Adenium multiflorum (Impala Lily)

The Adenium multiflorum, also known as the Impala Lily, is a beautiful succulent that grows in full sun conditions.

This plant has bright green leaves and white, pink, crimson, and red bicolored flowers that bloom at the end of winter.

It is a fast-growing succulent that can reach heights of up to five feet.

The Impala Lily is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in hot, sunny climates.

Aeonium Undulatum (Stalked Aeonium)

Aeonium undulatum (Stalked Aeonium)

The Aeonium undulatum, also known as the Stalked Aeonium, is a succulent found in full sun climates.

This plant has rosettes of leaves that are a deep green color and are spoon-shaped.

The leaves of this succulent can grow up to 10 inches in diameter, and the plant will reach a height of two to three feet.

The Aeonium undulatum blooms from late winter to early spring, producing clusters of yellow flowers at the top of its stem.

The Stalked Aeonium is a drought-tolerant plant perfect for full sun conditions.

Agave Attenuata (Fox Tail Agave)

Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave)

The Agave attenuata, also known as the Fox Tail Agave, is a full sun succulent known for its curling leaves.

This full sun agave can reach heights of up to five feet, making it a great addition to any garden.

The Fox Tail Agave thrives in bright sunlight and sandy soil, making it the perfect plant for those who live in warm climates.

These succulent leaves are a beautiful blue-green color, and they curl inwards towards the center of the plant.

The Agave attenuata is a slow-growing succulent, so it’s perfect for those who don’t want to worry about their plants outgrowing their garden space.

If you’re looking for a full sun succulent that is easy to care for, the Agave attenuata is an excellent option.

Aloe Ferox (Cape Aloe)

Aloe ferox (Cape Aloe)
Photo by Stan Shebs / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Aloe ferox, or Cape Aloe, is a full sun succulent native to South Africa.

It can grow up to 10 feet tall and has a rosette of thick, succulent leaves.

This aloe is a drought resistant plant that does best in sandy soil.

The Cape Aloe blooms in late summer and fall, producing tall spikes of orange flowers.

This succulent is a hardy plant that can thrive in hot, full sun conditions.

The Aloe ferox is perfect for those who live in warm climates and want a full sun succulent that is easy to care for.

Cephalocereus Senilis (Old Man Cactus)

Cephalocereus senilis (Old Man Cactus)

The Cephalocereus senilis, or Old Man Cactus, is a full sun succulent native to Mexico.

It can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a columnar shape. This cactus is covered in white hair, giving it an old man’s appearance.

The Old Man Cactus does best in full sun and sandy soil, and it is a drought-tolerant plant.

This cactus blooms from late winter to early spring, producing large pink flowers.

The Cephalocereus senilis is a hardy succulent that can thrive in hot, full sun conditions.

If you’re looking for a full sun cactus that is easy to care for, the Old Man Cactus is a great option.

Cleistocactus Strausii (Silver Torch Cactus)

Cleistocactus strausii (Silver Torch Cactus)

The Cleistocactus strausii, or Silver Torch Cactus, is a full sun cactus native to Bolivia and Argentina.

It can grow up to 10 feet tall and has a columnar shape. This cactus is covered in silver-gray spines, giving it a torch’s appearance.

The Silver Torch Cactus does best in bright light and sandy soil, and it is a drought-tolerant plant.

This cactus blooms throughout the summer, producing large tubular red flowers.

The Cleistocactus strausii is a hardy succulent that thrive in hot, full sun conditions.

If you’re looking for a full sun cactus that is easy to care for, the Silver Torch Cactus is a great option.

Conophytum Obcordellum (Dumpling)

Conophytum obcordellum (Dumpling)
Photo by C T Johansson / CC BY 3.0

The Conophytum obcordellum, also known as the dumpling, is a full sun succulent from South Africa.

It has a distinct shape that resembles a pebble or a dumpling, hence its name.

This flowering plant is a low-growing succulent covered in black spots and can grow to be about four inches tall and three feet wide.

It blooms in the spring and produces pink-purple flowers that resemble stars.

The dumpling is a drought-tolerant plant that does best in direct sunlight and sandy soil.

If you’re looking for a full sun succulent that is easy to care for, the Conophytum obcordellum is a great option.

Crassula Capitella (Campfire Crassula)

Crassula capitella (Campfire Crassula)
Photo by cultivar413 / CC BY 2.0

The Crassula capitella, or campfire crassula, is a succulent that does well in full sun conditions.

The leaves of this plant are a beautiful red color and will turn even brighter in direct sunlight.

This succulent is a low-growing plant that can grow about six inches tall and one foot wide.

The campfire crassula blooms in the summer and produces small star-shaped white flowers on long stalks.

This succulent is a hardy plant that can thrive in hot, full sun conditions.

If you’re looking for a full sun succulent with colorful leaves, the campfire crassula is an excellent option.

Echinocactus Grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus)

Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus)

The Golden Barrel Cactus is a full sun succulent known for its large, round shape and bright golden color.

The Echinocactus grusonii is native to Mexico and has a dense covering of spines that protect it from predators and help it retain water in its arid environment.

It grows slowly but can reach up to three feet in diameter.

This cactus does best in full sun and sandy soil, and it is a drought-tolerant plant.

The Golden Barrel Cactus blooms in mid-summer, producing large yellow flowers.

This succulent is a hardy plant that can thrive in hot, full sun conditions.

If you’re looking for a full sun succulent with a unique shape and bright color, the Golden Barrel Cactus is a great option.

Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Tree Plant)

Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus)
Photo by cultivar413 / CC BY 2.0

The Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as Pencil cactus or Pencil tree plant, is a full sun succulent that does best in hot, dry climates.

It’s a fast-growing succulent that can reach up to 25 feet tall and has long slender stems.

The thin stems can be green, red, orange, or yellow, depending on the season and temperature.

This succulent does not have leaves, but it does produce small yellow flowers in the spring at the end of its branches.

The Pencil Cactus is a drought-tolerant plant that does best in full sun and sandy soil.

If you’re looking for a full sun succulent with a fast growth rate, the Euphorbia tirucalli is a great option.

Kalanchoe Millotii (Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe)

Kalanchoe millotii (Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe)
Photo by Salicyna / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Kalanchoe Millotii, or Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe, is a full sun succulent from Madagascar.

It grows best in hot, dry climates and can reach up to 12 inches tall.

This succulent has thick, velvety leaves of a dark green color and is covered in tiny hairs.

The Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe blooms in the winter and produces small, white flowers.

This flowering succulent is a hardy plant that can thrive in hot, full sun conditions.

If you live in a hot climate and are looking for a full sun succulent, the Kalanchoe Millotii is a great option.

Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus)

Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus)

The Opuntia, or Prickly Pear Cactus, is a full sun succulent well-known for its drought tolerance and ease of care.

It has vibrant green pads covered in sharp spines, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a unique addition to their garden.

This succulent does best in direct sun and sandy soil, and it is a drought-tolerant plant.

The Opuntia blooms in the spring and produces large, colorful flowers that can be up to six inches wide.

If you’re looking for a full sun succulent that is easy to care for, the Opuntia is a great option.

Pachyphytum Oviferum (Moonstone)

Pachyphytum oviferum (Moonstone)

The Pachyphytum oviferum, also known as the moonstone, is a beautiful full sun succulent plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden.

This succulent is native to Mexico and can reach up to four inches tall and 12 inches wide.

It has blue-green or pink leaves covered in a powdery white substance, giving them a moonstone-like appearance.

The Pachyphytum oviferum blooms in the winter and early spring and produces small red and orange flowers.

This succulent does best in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

If you are looking for a beautiful full sun succulent, the moonstone is definitely worth considering.

Sedum Nussbaumerianum (Coppertone Stonecrop)

Sedum nussbaumerianum (Coppertone Stonecrop)
Photo by The Titou / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Sedum nussbaumerianum, or Coppertone stonecrop, is a full sun succulent native to Mexico.

It’s a fast-growing succulent that can reach up to 8 inches tall and three feet wide.

When exposed to direct sunlight, its leaves will turn a deep, bright orange color, giving it a unique and beautiful appearance.

The Coppertone stonecrop blooms in the spring and produces small white star-shaped flowers.

This succulent does best in full sun, making it an excellent option for those looking to add some color to their outdoor garden.

If you’re looking for a full sun succulent with a unique color, the Sedum nussbaumerianum is a great option.

Senecio Crassissimus (Vertical Leaf Senecio)

Senecio crassissimus (Vertical Leaf Senecio)
Photo by David J. Stang / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Senecio crassissimus, or Vertical Leaf Senecio, is a full sun succulent from Madagascar.

It’s a fast-growing succulent that can reach up to 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide.

This succulent has long, thin leaves that are a deep green color with a reddish tint and purple stems.

The Vertical Leaf Senecio blooms in mid-summer to autumn and produces small, yellow flowers.

This succulent is perfect for rock gardens, succulent gardens, or as a ground cover.

If you’re looking for a full sun succulent that is fast-growing and produces beautiful blooms, the Senecio crassissimus is perfect for you!

Senecio Mandraliscae (Blue Chalk Sticks)

Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalk Sticks)
Photo by Frank Vincentz / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Senecio mandraliscae, or Blue Chalk Sticks, is a full sun succulent from South Africa.

It grows best in hot, dry climates and can reach up to 12 inches tall.

This succulent has long, thin leaves that are a powdery blue color and can change to a deep purple color in full sun.

The Blue Chalk Sticks blooms in mid-summer and produces small, white flowers.

This succulent forms dense mats and is perfect for covering large areas in your garden.

If you live in a hot, dry climate and are looking for a full sun succulent, the Senecio mandraliscae is perfect for you.

Tephrocactus Geometricus

Tephrocactus Geometricus
Photo by Michael Wolf / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Tephrocactus geometricus is a beautiful full sun cactus native to Argentina.

This mini cactus plant exhibits cylindrical and spherical segments characterized by a scarcity of spines.

The Tephrocactus geometricus is a slow grower and can reach up to 12 inches in height.

This cactus blooms in the summer and produces large white to pink flowers that last only for one day.

The Tephrocactus geometricus is perfect for those looking for a full sun cactus that is easy to care for.

If you’re looking for a full sun cactus that is beautiful and easy to care for, the Tephrocactus geometricus is perfect for you.

Final Thoughts

Growing succulents in full sun is possible with the proper plant selection.

You can choose from a variety of succulents that will thrive in the sunniest parts of your garden.

When choosing full sun succulents, keep in mind the size of the plant and how much space it will need to grow.

Be sure to select various colors, textures, and shapes to create an interesting garden display.

With the right plants, you can enjoy beautiful succulents in full sun all year long.