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Selected Succulents for California Landscapes:
Agave - There are over 300 named Agaves ranging from very small species to those over 10 feet in diameter and 30 feet in height! Their hallmark is a wicked terminal spine and prickly teeth. A few popular varieties planted in California include: Agave americana var. medio-picta ‘Alba’ (shown at right), Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ (syn. ‘Boutin Blue’), and Agave vilmoriniana (Octopus Agave). |
Aloe - Aloes are popular plants and have been proven to flourish throughout most of California. Most aloes display bold structural form with flowers that are often very showy, ranging in color from greenish yellow through shades of orange and red. A few of the favorites purchased frequently by Bamboo Pipeline landscape professionals, include: Aloe brevifolia, (Fan Aloe) or Aloe plicatilis (shown at right) and Aloe thraskii (Coast Aloe). |
Crassula - There are about 190 species in this large genus. Features that make this group of plants popular range from the brilliant flower color of some species to the symmetry and perfection of their arrangements. The “Propeller Plant” Crassula falcata (shown at right), and Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ (syn. ‘Flame’, ‘Blaze’) are two very popular choices. |
Dasylirion - These unusual grass-like trees are seen in landscapes throughout California. Both Dasylirion longissimim (Mexican Grass Tree) and Dasylirion wheeleri (Desert Spoon) are two big favorites in Southern California. |
Echeveria - Thick succulent leaves in rosette formations characterize all forms of Echeveria. White, grey, blue, green, pink, mauve, red and orange and interesting combinations mark the coloring of these plants. Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ (shown at right) and Echeveria Pulv-oliver’ are excellent examples of this compelling succulent. |
Euphorbia - With over 8,000 species, this is an enormous group of plants. Even Poinsettias are contained in this genus! The significant common feature is the unusual flower structure; small flowers with no petals and no sepals, just modified colored leaves. As the sap from some of these plants can irritate eyes and skin, it is recommended to handle these with care and keep out of range of toddlers and young children. Nevertheless, Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii (shown at right), Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’, are stunning representations of this plant and work in almost any landscape design. |
A succulent is any plant that stores water in juicy leaves, stems or roots to withstand periodic drought. Technically speaking, even Epidendrums are a part of this large family of plants! But most landscape professionals associate succulents with desert-style plants.
Bring a touch of the Southwest to any landscape design
Succulent plants provide dramatic, sculptured qualities unique to Southwest gardens. The great variety of form and subtle foliage color makes these plants attractive and useful for landscape projects with dry or difficult areas to landscape, including: hillsides, dense hardscapes, against sunny walls, verandas, patios and porches and, of course, containers. Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’ (above)
Tips for installation and care of succulents
With succulents it is important to remember that they live naturally in dry-to-arid parts of the world so they do not need to be kept permanently wet. Succulents perform best with more occasional drip irrigation or hand watering and do not need as frequent watering as less drought tolerant plants. Overhead watering should be avoided to help prevent rot.
When planting succulents avoid digging a deep hole that might retain water; instead make a wide shallow hole with a slightly mounded central area that the basal crown can rest over while the roots spread out.
Gravel or stones are an effective medium for covering the ground around succulents, but an alternative to this medium is using massed groups of smaller varieties such as Senecios (Senecio mandraliscae) and Sedums (Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’) to bring some additional color to the planting areas.
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I am Martin, an Advanced Certified Nursery Professional and a Vice President with Bamboo Pipeline.
I lead a team of buyers that source the highest quality plant material in California and Southern Nevada for quality landscape projects. We offer the broadest and best selection of landscape materials delivered direct to the contractor’s jobsite.
My colleagues and I visit hundreds of growers across the West to deliver the best plants currently available - a concept we call “Market Best.” We supply more than 10,000 varieties of plants, trees and shrubs, frequently delivered within 24 hours of order.
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