Jade In The Garden: Can You Grow Jade Outdoors
Most people are familiar with jade plant's popularity all over the world as an easy-to-grow houseplant. Yet, many people are surprised to find that in warm climates growing jade plants outdoors is an excellent option. When most of us think of jade plants, we think of beautiful potted bonsai-like specimens. However, in parts of California, Arizona, and other arid warm regions, jade is a popular choice for hedge plants. Read on for more information on growing jade outside.
Outdoor Jade Plant Care
Native to South Africa, the most common variety of jade grown in the home or garden is Crassula ovata, commonly known as money tree. As container plants, they grow 2-5 feet (.5-1.5 m.) tall. Because jade plants are such slow growers, their size and shape can easily be controlled by keeping them in smaller pots and performing regular pruning and shaping. They can even be shaped easily into unique bonsai specimens. Because their stems and leaves are quick to form new roots, they are a popular choice for propagation by cuttings. They are seldom bothered by pests, need very little water, and are tolerant of poor, dry potting media and being root bound. All of this applies to outdoor jade plants as well. They are hardy in zones 10-11, but prefer hot, arid climates and can be prone to rot and other fungal problems in humid climates. Growing jade plants outside does require some patience, as they are slow growers, but in time they can top out to 6-10 feet (2-3 m.) tall. Usually, though, outdoor jade plants are kept trimmed to 2 to 4 foot (.5-1 m.) tall hedges or borders, or shaped into bonsai-like specimen or accent plants. In the right conditions, broken or fallen branches of outdoor jade plants will form new roots, allowing them to easily fill in as lush hedges and borders, and even form colonies. However, their slow growth makes them easy to maintain the desired size and shape.
Growing Jade Outside
Jade in the garden will grow best in a sandy loam soil. Quick draining soil is a must, as they will be prone to root and crown rot and other fungal problems in wet, slow-draining, compacted, or clay soils. Jade plants can grow in full sun to pretty dense shade. However, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for outdoor plants and they’ll do best with a little shade from the intense afternoon sun. Although jade plants are succulent and can tolerate drought, their foliage can become tinged red or wrinkled and shriveled when stressed from too little water. Jade in the garden will benefit from a deep watering weekly or biweekly. They will also benefit from an annual spring fertilizer for cacti and succulents. In the right conditions, outdoor jade may form short-lived white-pink blossoms. These flowers should be deadheaded after their very short bloom period to maintain the healthy, green appearance of the plant. Mealybugs are a common pest of jade plants, so jade in the garden should be checked over regularly for these pests, as well as scale and spider mites.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz
‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
9 Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers For Gardeners They'll Actually Use – Starting At $10
Stocking stuffers often end up an after-thought, but not these! Explore expert-curated stocking stuffers for gardeners that they'll use for years to come.
By Laura Walters
-
Jade Plant Turning Red – Reasons For A Jade Going Red
What does it mean when a jade has red tips on the leaves? Disease, cultivation, insects, and more might be the cause. Read on for more.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Jade Plant Looks Wrinkled – Reasons For Wrinkled Jade Leaves
If you notice wrinkled jade leaves, it’s the plant’s way of telling you that something isn’t quite right. Click here for tips on fixing a wrinkly jade plant.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Leggy Jade Plant Care – Pruning A Leggy Jade Plant
If your jade plant is getting leggy, don’t stress. It can easily be fixed. Find tips to help a leggy jade plant in this article.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
-
Repotting Jade Plants: Learn How To Repot A Jade Plant
If your jade plant seems to be outgrowing its container, it may be time to for repotting. Click this article for tips on getting it done.
By Becca Badgett
-
Gollum Jade Care – Information About Gollum Jade Crassula Plants
Gollum jade succulents are a favorite winter houseplant that may go outside in spring. Similar to its larger cousin ET’s fingers, this jade also has long tubular leaves that curl inward and are tipped in red. If you’re looking for something fun and easy, click here to learn more.
By Becca Badgett
-
Jade Insect Pests: Learn About Common Pests Of Jade Plants
Jade plants, or Crassula ovata, are popular houseplants. Generally easy-care, low maintenance plants, there are a few specific jade plant pests that can damage and even kill them if not controlled. Click here for more information on pests of jade plants.
By Darcy Larum
-
Ripple Jade Plant Info: Caring For Ripple Jade Plants
If you’re a fan of jade plants, then ripple jade is one that’s certain to capture attention. Compact, rounded heads atop sturdy branches give the plant a bonsai type appeal. Its bluish leaves are twisted and erect, sometimes with purple edging. Learn more here.
By Becca Badgett
-
Care Of ET’s Finger Jade – Tips For Growing ET’s Finger Crassula
Who wouldn?t want a plant that looks like ET?s fingers? Jade, the pleasantly-plump succulent that is such a great houseplant, has several cultivars with unusual foliage, including ET?s Fingers. These fun plants are great additions to indoors or out. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis