With the focus on climate change and its impact on South African weather patterns, plants which are able to grow and thrive with limited water are in the spotlight.
Succulents feature in gardens throughout the world and have even found their way into table decor, interior design and bridal bouquets.
Succulents are useful on slopes, helping to prevent soil erosion. Picture: Etienne Cremer
Water Wise
Plants that have adapted to living in dry conditions are called xerophytes. Not all xerophytes are succulents – some are adapted to live in alpine regions, frozen landscapes or salt marshes.
The term “succulent” refers to plants that hold water in their leaves or stems, with a large number of plant families found in the group. Cacti are succulents found mainly in the western hemisphere and comprise around 1 800 species. They are easy to distinguish from other succulents as they have areoles, small growth points from which flowers, hairs or spines grow.
Areoles are small growth points on cacti from which flowers, hairs or spines grow. Picture: Lukas Otto
Aloes are not cacti, but succulents in the Asphodelaceae family, with around 600 different aloes recognised. Yuccas, agave, euphorbias, kalanchoe and prickly pear (cacti) are large ornamental succulent species that dominate a space and can be used as living garden focal points.
Landscaping
Succulents, popular candidates for xeriscaping, a method of landscaping for dry gardens, are able to tolerate weather extremes. They cope in hot sun and tough it out during times of drought.
Whether you have a large or small garden, or a balcony or indoor garden, there are succulents in different sizes and shapes to suit. Foliage colours vary from dark green through purple and tones of blue and grey. With careful and precise selection, these can create contrast and their different appearances add a change of texture in the garden.
For the garden
What types of succulents can you consider for rock gardens or containers?
Mesembs:
Mesembryanthemums – also known as vygies or ice plants – are the succulent darlings of South Africa. Drosanthemum, Delosperma and Lampranthus species all flower in spring and are prized for their bold and vibrant colours.
The golden vygie:
(Lampranthus aureus) flowers in early spring to the end of November, bringing bees to the garden. The trailing rock vygie (Delosperma cooperi) produces shimmering pink blooms well into the summer.
Aeonium:
Aeonium grow in a rosette shape on arching stems and are found in a range of different colours and textures and shapes. These Canary Island natives can be used in rock gardens or containers for height, colour and contrast.
Sempervivum:
Commonly called house leeks or hen-and-chicken, sempervivums are delightful rosettes, in varying shades of green, blue and grey and flowers in white, rose or yellow.
They belong to the crassula genus and are native to the alpine regions of North Africa and Europe.
The cobweb house leek (Sempervivum arachnoideum) has a webbed rosette that looks like a spider’s web. Picture: Lukas Otto
Echeveria:
Probably one of the most popular succulent varieties today, and the darling of DIY home decor websites, echeveria, or rock roses, are rosette shaped succulents.
They come in different colours and shapes and are easy to grow. Echeverias can be grown in beds or in containers and are best planted en masse. They also produce pups and can easily be propagated, simply by placing a leaf on top of the soil and waiting for a tiny new plant to grow. Combine echeveria with sempervivum in a trendy succulent topiary.
Crassula:
A large group of indigenous succulents, crassula have adapted to tough conditions by taking in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis through their stomata at night. All crassula are evergreen, with gorgeous blooms in white and shades of pink. Over time, the plant develops a thick, tree-like trunk which becomes an attractive feature in the garden.
The jade plant, Crassula ovata “Pink Joy” is a common variety, producing pink flowers in winter. For ground cover or a hanging basket, choose Crassula multicava, with its star-like flowers.
Kay's landscaping tips
Succulent topiaries are trendy and easy to make. Picture: Lukas Otto
- Consider where you want to place succulents in your garden. They do best in a sunny location, but can cope with some shade for a portion of the day. In deep shade they are likely to get lanky as they stretch upwards to the light.
- Succulents are excellent candidates for slopes and help to prevent soil erosion.
- Good drainage is essential.
- For a pleasing effect, group the same succulents together en masse.
- Containers for succulents must have drainage holes. You can use a succulent mix or add one part river sand to two parts potting soil.
- Succulents cope well during dry periods, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require any water.
- Indoors, succulents should be placed where they receive ample light.
- Nourish your succulents with succulent/cacti plant food, available from your local nursery.