All cactus are succulents, but not all succulents are cactus.
Simply said, succulents are plants that store water in their leaves and stems, making them ideally suited for xeriscape gardening.
Succulents come in a myriad of colors and shapes, though their most valuable attribute, according to most, is that these perennials are tidy and predictable. Yes, there are succulents that will readily produce more succulents, such as Hens and Chicks, which put out new growth on thin stems attached to the main plant. However, most succulents are quite unsurprising when it comes to how they will grow in height, width, and form. Even Hens and Chicks will not grow in an unexpected way. That is just the nature of succulents; no pruning required!
In their natural habitat (they were first cultivated by the Egyptians), they are accustomed to sandy, rocky, dry ground and an arid environment, so the best way to incorporate them into your landscape is to try to mimic their native environment. The most natural looking design will have rocks of numerous sizes, a mix of sand and native soil, and possibly topographical features like mounds, slopes, or terraces. Most succulent plants will prefer quite a bit of sun, though newer cultivars are always being developed, some of which will fit nicely into a shady garden.
Succulent plants can be grown outdoors but are also quite comfortable in pots. They are especially happy in terra cotta with a soil mix of one part organic matter or potting soil with one part sand or gritty soil. A grouping of small pots with different types of succulents works well for decorative displays, as do larger, shallow pots with a mix of succulent plants.
Outdoors, plant them in groups, rather than one here and one there, or in rows. Many succulent plants do not grow very large, so they are not as attractive when planted individually; in fact, they look quite puny and lonely when planted singularly among other xeriscape-friendly ornamental grasses or flowering plants. Some gardeners plant them en masse, creating a quite distinctive, striking, water-wise landscape.
Here is a descriptive list of some of the most popular and drought-tolerant succulent plants:
Sedum (Sedum spp.) – This low-growing, flowering succulent plant has fleshy leaves and is ideal for ground cover in dry areas, thriving in poor, thirsty soils. Also known as Stonecrop, this succulent is available in a broad variety of colors, heights, widths, and forms.
Agave (Agave spp.) – Is a large, sculptural succulent plant with spiky leaves emerging from a central core. Native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas, it is sometimes called American Aloe or the Century Plant. Agave will bloom once in its lifetime, growing a very tall, heavy stalk from which branches will emerge bearing oodles of petite blossoms, the color depending upon the species you have planted. On average, Agave take 10 years to bloom, and then will die, though if you allow it to drop its seeds, you will be blessed with more Agave plants.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) – Famous for its medicinal properties, this semi-tropical succulent is highly drought-tolerant and grows well in both containers and outdoor landscapes. Many gardeners grow the Aloe Vera plant for ornamental purposes, though its medicinal benefits are well-touted. Break off a leaf near the bottom and use the gel to soothe burns, including sunburns.
Echeveria (Echeveria spp.) – Is a fast-growing succulent that grows in the form of stylish, symmetrical, fleshy-leaved rosettes available in a variety of colors with differing leaf characteristics. These succulent plants are native to North American deserts and are perfect for rock gardens or containers.
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks) – May also be known as a Houseleek. A hardy, drought-resistant succulent that produces symmetrical rosettes, it spreads easily in dry, rocky soils through its "chicks" that easily root in a new spot. The result can be a carpet of these succulent plants with pointy leaves. Some even flower, similar to the Agave, though on a much smaller scale.
Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) – The Ghost Plant is a resilient, long-lived, slow-growing succulent plant with pale, bluish leaves when grown in the shade, turning yellowy-pink when grown in full sun. Its central rosettes will normally be about 4-inches in diameter, spawning much smaller rosettes, similar to Hens and Chicks.
Ice Plant (Delosperma spp.) – The Ice plant is a very fast grower native to Africa. Often used as a ground cover for large, sloped areas, it produces brightly-colored, daisy-like flowers. The sloped sides of San Diego's highways are densely covered with these very low-maintenance succulent plants. If you have a dry slope in your landscape, the Ice Plant will solve the unattractive nature of the space, as well as controlling erosion.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) – This is one of the most popular succulent plants, easily found in the garden areas of big box stores and is very popular as an indoor potted plant. Also called the Money Plant, it has thick, fleshy leaves that emerge on sturdy stems from woody-looking branches. A tropical succulent plant, this slow-grower will provide years of viewing pleasure, indoors or out.
Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio serpens) – This creeping succulent plant is native to South Africa. Low-growing, with blue-green foliage measuring 3 to 4-inches in length, its finger-like leaves are as unique as its coloring. This particular succulent plant's dwarfish size works very well for borders or as ground cover in xeriscape gardens.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) – One of the more unique succulent plants, its trailing pea-like leaves are most often seen spilling down the sides of hanging planters. It rarely flowers indoors, but will do so when planted outdoors, its white spring-time blossoms having a pleasant cinnamon-y scent. They perform best when grown in gardens that receive plenty of gentle morning sunlight and shaded, diffused afternoon light.
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.) – Is a drought-tolerant cactus with paddle-shaped segments and colorful blooms of bright pink or lemony-yellow. In addition to being well-suited for Xeriscape most of the Prickly Pear cactus is edible. In Mexican restaurants you will find Nopalitos (the young cactus paddles) or Nopales (the mature cactus paddles) on the menu. The fruit of the Prickly Pear, often called Cactus Figs, is also edible. Provide plenty of room for your Prickly Pear. Though it is somewhat slow growing, a healthy Prickly Pear patch can grow in excess of 10-feet wide.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.) – Tough and resilient, this succulent with upright, sword-like leaves thrives in low-water environments. A common houseplant with dramatic attributes, this succulent plant is sometimes called Mother-in-Law's tongue, due to its sharp edges. Many gardeners do not know that it can be grown outdoors, but this succulent with yellow and green or grey and green patterned leaves, can grow several feet tall and add exceptional texture, color, and impressive effects in your xeriscape garden.
Yucca (Yucca spp.) – This succulent plant is a genus with over 40 species of shrubs, plants and trees. Native to Mexico, the Caribbean and the southwestern areas of the United States, this succulent is also known as the Casava plant. A striking succulent with sword-like leaves and tall flower spikes, the Yucca is a very long-lived succulent plant that will serve well as the center-point or backdrop for your xeriscape design. Yuccas bloom on tall spikes, usually in late spring and early summer, and typically in creamy white and hues of red and pink.
Dudleya (Dudleya spp.) – This succulent plant is available in at least 52 different varieties, with varying forms and flower colors. A rosette-forming succulent that thrives in coastal and arid climates, you can find this relative to Stonecrop growing wild in the western areas of North America, especially in the area that spans the southern part of the state of California and the Mexican states of Baja California and Baja California Sur. Also called Liveforever, this nickname speaks to its longevity.
Any of these perennial succulent plants would be an excellent and wise choice for your xeriscape garden design. Aesthetically attractive, requiring very little moisture and almost maintenance-free nature, you can't go wrong when adding them to your xeriscape landscape. They will help you diversify your garden while staying true to the principles of xeriscaping: resource conservation, biodiversity, and environmental responsibility.
