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| Succulents |
| Prettier than a cactus but no less hardy, these sculptural beauties can withstand dry Southern summers |
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'Purple Beauty' Hen and Chickens
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'Blue Spruce' Sedum
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'Limelight' Sedum
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by Dawn P. Cannon
Photos by Lauren Rubinstein
Like love and money, water is rarely fully appreciated unless it’s in scarce supply. The recent droughts and water wars going on across the South have many a gardener searching for new plants that can stand a little neglect.
Succulents may be the answer. Most hail from dry climates and have the ability to store water, making them drought-tolerant. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore them. They thrive in well-drained soil with just enough water to keep their leaves plump. Sedum comes in many forms and colors. It’s at home in rock gardens and makes a terrific ground cover in rocky or sandy soil. Hen and chickens, a succulent native to the mountains of Europe, has a striking rosette shape that gives it a sculptural beauty. Planting
When planting in pots, make sure the container has a drainage hole. Most commercial potting mixes are too rich and hold too much water for succulents, so plant them in a mix of half potting soil and half sand to facilitate drainage. Let it dry out between waterings, and never let your plant sit in a saucer of water. Different colors and textures look good in a single container, but if you are using succulents as a ground cover, one solid mass of a single type will make much more impact than a hodgepodge of different plants. Watering
During spring and summer, water thoroughly once a week if it hasn’t rained. Back off to once a month in fall and winter when the plants are dormant. How’s that for low maintenance?
| A PLANT FOR THE AGES |
Aloe is probably the most commonly known succulent; its medicinal use can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, and it has been touted for centuries as a remedy for minor burns. Like many succulents, it originated in Africa. European explorers in the late 15th century, on a race to find a western sea route to India, discovered many new plants and species, spawning widespread interest in succulents among Europeans. Legend holds that Alexander the Great prized aloe so much that he conquered the island of Socotra (modern-day Yemen) to ensure an ample supply for his army. |
| IN SEARCH OF SUCCULENTS |
Where To See Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Desert House displays succulents from Madagascar and South Africa. 404/876-5859, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. Balboa Park
The 2.5-acre Desert Garden holds succulents and drought-resistant plants. San Diego, 619/239-0512, www.balboapark.org Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Demonstration gardens for plants with low water demand will provide inspiration for your home garden. Superior, AZ; 520/689-2811; www.btarboretum.org. The Jardin Exotique
You’ll find more than 1,000 succulents at this garden in Monaco. 011-377-93-15-29-80, www.jardin-exotique.mc. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Build in plenty of time to see the other offerings at this 9.5-acre garden. Sarasota, FL; 941/366-5731; www.selby.org. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Visit the collection in the Arid Lands Glasshouse. 011-44-131-552-7171, www.rbge.org.uk.
Resources
• Buy succulents online at www.santarosagardens.com. • For more information, visit the Cactus & Succulent Society of America’s Web site at www.cssainc.org. |
RESOURCES: Containers from Leaf & Petal, 205/871-3832, 205/967-3232, or 205/877-3030, www.leafnpetal.com.
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