Succulents for Late-Season Color. Succulents have become stars of the summer garden world over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. Water-wise, fuss-free, sculptural, colorful and just plain cool, they’re one of this decade’s must-have plants. From the large leaves and colorful blooms of echeveria to cold-hardy stonecrop and the spectacular flowers of South African agave-like aloes, there’s a succulent to brighten most winter gardens.