Years ago we knew them only by their nicknames: hen and chicks, jade plant, jewel plant, jellybeans and chalk sticks. These days we have come to know them better and unfortunately for us they not an easy bunch of names to remember. Concentrate on the smooth leafed succulents in your garden (Echeveria, Aeonium, Crassula, Sempervivum, Sedum, Agave and Cotyledons). Arrange them into artistic designs, remember that planting many of the same variety will create a sweep of colour like a painting and will be more effective. Focus on harmonising colours, not clashing ones, and you will create a tranquil collection pleasing to the eye.
Planting can be done during autumn and spring, avoid winter as its usually too cold and wet. Plant into well drained soils in plenty of sunshine, however many of the Echeveria, Cotyledons and Sempervivums will take part shade conditions as well. I particularly like planting succulents as a low border to the garden bed and in this case I concentrate on the one type, I buy a few plants and make the rest myself by cutting over the next few years. There are some succulents that suit this job, they clump and spread better than others, they include Echeveria and Sedums.
Larger succulents provide accents plants in the garden, they include Agave, Aloe and Yucca, and they attract the eye with their big form and wild striped colours. These focal plant s should be planted where they won't be a problem in the later years, planting them at the back of the garden will often create excellent forms and shapes. Planting flexible foliage plants nearby like flax, daisies and lavender will help soften the look.
Pots and Containers: Perfect for the gardener without a garden, succulents love growing in pots. Choosing the right succulent and the right pot can pretty balconies, decks, porches, around pools, terraces and even windowsills up. Those of us who rent will be able to take their beloved collection from house after house. Group plants in colour collections for attractive displays and because the pots are so mobile you can arrange them into different groupings to completely change the look.
Succulents in containers will require protection from extreme heart and extreme cold. They will need a lightweight succulent potting mix that has a good component of sand and the site will need plenty of sunshine. Any container will do; pots, urns, troughs, window boxes, custom made planters or even your old garden boot! You are only limited by your imagination. Mulch the top of the pots with a small pebble to finish them off. They make great gifts!
Feeding and watering: Succulents benefit from a controlled release fertiliser in a granule form applied during spring and summer when they are actively growing. Succulents are water storage vessels, like a living sponge, they take what they need from rainfall and the excess must be able to drain away quickly. Wet soil will quickly spell death for succulents, as their stems will rot away at the base. Avoid this by planting in well-drained soils, in crevices, in pots, mounded garden beds and completely avoid watering in winter.
Problems: Very few pests and diseases bother succulents. They do not like being mulched with moist leaf litter preferring stones or pebbles. They dislike prolonged cold and wet conditions although will take a little frost if they are kept completely dry. Control any aphid or mealy bug with an insecticide quickly before they become problems. Wet winters may cause black spots on the leaves in which case you can just remove the offending leaves.
How to: How to make more plants
Step 1: Remove spent flowers at the base taking care not to touch the leaves as this may wipe off a silvery bloom that ensures the leaves are water resistant.
Step 2: Carefully clean up any old foliage under the skirt of the succulent rosette or crown to leave the stem free of foliage that could contain powdery mildew.
Step 3: Remove any new plants by snipping off individual flower heads. Try and get some aerial roots attached onto the stem.
Step 4: Allow each piece to dry off in the sun for a few days; this will help the wound heal preventing the stem from rotting in the soil later on. Root hormone gel could be used to dip the cutting into at this time although it is not essential.
Step 5: Replant each rosette into individual pots filled with a succulent and cactus potting mix and refrain from watering. Water lightly after two weeks. They make great gifts.
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