There’s been an explosion of popularity in succulents over the past decade, with their dramatic and fairy-tale like quality seeing them become more common in both English gardens and homes. By and large, succulents are very easy to grow, very tolerant to dry and drought and are a favourite amongst beginner gardeners. Don’t be put off by all those positives though, they can be a real crowning glory for a complex garden too.
Agave
One of the most iconic succulents, and well-known for its purported health benefits, agaves come in all shapes and sizes. You can get container-sized agaves as small as 1-2 feet. Leaves are thick and fibrous, often barbed along the edge and ended in a tip. Not as sharp and scary as it sounds. Most are green, with hints of grey, blue and red; but you can see them with edging of white and yellow. Plant them in sunny areas and then (almost) forget about them, as they can cope with low temperatures and low moisture.
Pricky Pear Cactus
Yes, all cacti are considered succulents. Aggressive ones maybe, but succulents still. The prickly pear cactus is one you’ll recognise, iconic in its oval, flat ‘leaves’ with small hairy prickles. You’ll probably have touched one once, and never again! Despite this, prickly pears are firm favourites of succulent fans; as they flower dramatically and grow edible fruit. What more do you want from a plant?
Haworthia
This small, grass-like succulent is perfect for containers and window boxes. The striped stems dramatically crown the centre bloom, which will stalk and grow from the middle. Be careful of sunburn, as unlike most succulents this one can suffer from too much direct sunlight.
Haworthia
This small, grass-like succulent is perfect for containers and window boxes. The striped stems dramatically crown the centre bloom, which will stalk and grow from the middle. Be careful of sunburn, as unlike most succulents this one can suffer from too much direct sunlight.
Ice Plant
You may never have heard of this South African native and the name might sound strange, but it comes from a number of species which produce crystals of calcium on their leaves resembling frost. Drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant and in a multitude of colours; ice plants are extremely versatile and bloom vibrantly throughout the summer. All you need is well-drained soil and sunlight.
Kalanchoe
The most popular succulent by number sold, Kalanchoes are in every B&Q and Homebase in the land. Most of these varieties are houseplants, but you can grow these up to a couple of feet tall in a British outdoor climate. Get them into containers on the patio and watch them bloom brightly between autumn and winter.
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