Almost half, of the world’s succulent species, originated in Southern Africa. They have adapted to survive, in low rainfall areas. They tend to have bold , strong shapes, with simple dynamic lines, which are great, for any garden design. Large succulents are ideal form plants, while the ground cover and creeper varieties, are perfect for banks, or mass planting, in sandy soils.  There are many varieties of succulent plants, including the leafy ones and those that flower, in many different shades, colours and textures, but all are suitable for the garden.

A succulent garden should be positioned, in such a way, that the plants get full sun, for at least half the day. They should, preferably, be planted on a slope, so that drainage is good and best results are achieved when they are north facing. Although succulents are hardy plants, they still require nutrients, to survive. Prepare the soil, with an organic compost, before planting and feed the plant every couple of years. Plants in pots, or hanging baskets should have a rich soil mix and should be fed regularly, with liquid fertilizer.

Succulents need mulch, gravel, or pebbles to keep the roots cool and moist. Thin layers of grass clippings, bark chips, compost, sawdust, or woodchips can also be placed around the plant, for the same reason. Regular watering, especially in the dry months, will prevent the leaves from wrinkling up and fading in colour, but if over watered, the leaves will drop and the plants will rot.

Succulents can be grouped together, or combined with beautiful fine, lacy leaved plants, in low walls, or as a floor pattern. These will look spectacular, next to a water feature, or a rock garden. Make sure, when combining plants with succulents, that they require similar soil conditions and water.

Some of the more common types of succulents, are as follows.

1, Agave (Victoriae Reginae) - One of the most attractive, of the Mexican Agaves. It is delicate to sun, when small, but becomes hardy at maturity. Normally about 60 cm in diameter (24 inches).

2, Aloe (Dichotoma) - The birds and bees flock to this plant, to feed on the nectar of the quiver like tree, when it starts flowering in winter. These indigenous plants grow in arid climates, with very low rainfall. Too much water will kill this plant. It is better to plant in a pot, so that watering can be controlled.

3, Crassula (Ovata Portulacea) - This plant has cream and green variegated leaves, with pink edgings and stocky stems. It has clusters of small flowers, usually white to soft pink, in colour. This plant does not need much pampering.

4, Cheiridopsis (Vanzijlii) - The leaves of this plant, of the Mesembryanthemaceae family, resemble soft grey cushions. It bears yellow flowers in the spring and they are normally about 6 cm in diameter (2 to 3 inches). These are best suited for planting in a rock garden, or in a pot. It does not like frost.

5, Echeveria (Gibbiflora) - This succulent plant has leaves shaped like spoons, and are blue- green in colour, with red tinges. They are normally arranged in thick rosettes. The plant bears small pink flowers, at the end of a long stalk. They are best planted in clumps, in full sun, or light shade and require frequent watering.

These are some of the most popular types of succulent plants and can be wonderful additions to the garden. Tomorrow, in part 2, we will discuss a few more options, of planting succulents in the garden and review a few more varieties of succulent plants suitable for the garden.

A really good guide to gardening, can be found in the ebook, titled The Gardener’s Handbook. This read will teach you the secrets to a beautiful garden. For more info, look here http://dersalsites.com/ghand/

Sally Robson is an up and coming, South African internet marketer, with a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet. She and her husband Derek, have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. She also has a passion for gardening.

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