Using Succulents in Innovative Ways

If there were plants on the Moon, I believe they would be succulents. They have that wonderful other worldly appearance that makes them stand out...

Delosperma cooperi
Item # 39725 		Delosperma cooperi
Hardy Purple Ice Plant

each $5.49
3 to 6 plants $5.29
7 or more $4.99
Cold Hardy Yucca Sampler
Item # 99536 		Cold Hardy Yucca Sampler

Sampler $24.96
Nanathus transvaalensis
Item # 92949 		Nananthus transvaalensis
Transvaal Ice Plant

each $5.49
3 to 6 plants $5.29
7 or more $4.99

20% Off! $4.39
Earth Juice® Grow™ 2-1-1 16 oz. concentrate
Item # 99746 		Earth Juice® Grow™ 2-1-1 Organic Liquid Fertilizer

each $12.95
Stomatium mustilinum
Item # 92971 		Stomatium mustilinum
Night-blooming Ice Plant

each $5.49
3 to 6 plants $5.29
7 or more $4.99

© All articles are copyrighted by High Country Gardens. Republication is prohibited without Permission.

If there were plants on the Moon, I believe they would be succulents. They have that wonderful other worldly appearance that makes them stand out in the realm of plants. Although revered for their bright, showy flowers, their handsome architectural foliage alone is enough to make you want to include them in your landscape.

But don’t be deceived by the beauty of succulents. These guys aren’t fragile. Their adaptability to heat, intense sunshine, and ability to thrive with little maintenance under dry conditions makes them an excellent choice for the xeric garden.

Design Elements

Many succulents are tiny and demand a spot in the garden where they can be noticed. Place them at the front of a perennial border or on the edge of a raised bed. Rock gardens show off the interesting foliage of a succulent very nicely.

Intriguing Ground-level Placements

  • Delosperma nubigenum tumbling down a stacked rock wall. These plants tucked into crevices in the wall when small, form a cascade of bright green foliage and brilliant yellow flowers as they mature. Very cold hardy!
  • Delosperma cooperi planted on a steep, rocky hillside, or in gravel mulch in flat areas will spread over the rocks and gravel, create a softer, cooler feel. The rocks actually provide a nice environment for the plants as they help keep the soil moist for a longer period of time. If you live in a colder climate, try Delosperma nubigenum instead.
  • Our South African Succulent Sampler includes some of the most fascinating succulents you’ll every see. Inter-planted into a small layered rock garden with well drained soil is the best way to display them. Layer the rocks then place soil on top and around before layering more rocks. Tuck these succulents in while placing the rocks.

Different Container Ideas

  • Make a real statement at a garden entrance with succulents planted in a pair of antique iron urns. I saw this at a garden recently and it was fabulous. Some taller Sedums were combined with succulents to create a display with varied colors of foliage and unusual texture.
  • Use hypertufa troughs to plant a variety of succulents. Place them near steps where they can be admired every time you walk by.
  • For a pretty centerpiece for a patio table, create a miniature Zen garden with multiples of a single variety of succulent in a grid pattern such as Echevarria (Hen and Chicks) or Nananthus transvalensis #92949. Leave enough space so you can clearly see gravel mulch between the plants.

Plant Care

Succulents appreciate a monthly dose of liquid seaweed (Sea-Com PGR) and a low nitrogen fertilizer like Earth Juice ‘Grow’ at recommend rates. In cold climates, it is vitally important that watering be greatly decreased in the fall. Succulents need to dry down so they can begin to shrivel in preparation for winter.

Working with succulents is not difficult and once you get the finer points down they can provide lots of enjoyment.