Can Jade Plants Survive Winter Outdoors in South Carolina?

A jade plant (Crassula ovata) owner in South Carolina asked if a neighbor’s claim of planting jade outdoors year‑round was true.

Short Answer: No

Jade plants are not frost‑hardy. They can spend summer outdoors in a shady spot (to avoid sunburn) but must come indoors when night temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). A single night at or below 32°F (0°C) will kill them.

Overwintering Outdoors Is Impractical

To keep a jade outside in winter you’d need an insulated, double‑glazed cold frame that you open every morning and close every night—far more trouble than simply bringing the pot inside.