The (almost) Carefree Garden

What are the best plants for garden that provide color, shape and texture while requiring very little care? Without a doubt, it would be succulents.

Photo from The Succulent Source 

No longer limited to hens and chicks, cacti and jade plants, most garden centers carry an extensive variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Used for ground cover, in containers, in formal gardens as well as for artistic designs, succulents are seen everywhere.

Native to a dry environment, they store water in their leaves and stems, requiring watering once a month; smaller plants may need watering more often. Perfect for the busy (or lazy) gardener!

Photo from Master Gardener, Chris Janne

When planting, attention should be given to drainage as wet soil will cause the roots to rot. In the garden choose a sandy, rocky location or add sand to the soil. For containers, try using a bagged soil formulated especially for succulents. They will survive an extended period of time planted in sphagnum moss. The moss, not the plants, will need to be soaked in water occasionally. Debra Lee Baldwin has written several good books on growing and designing with succulents.

While they need bright light, they should be protected from long periods of time in direct sunlight; 3-4 hours of direct sunlight will keep them happy without giving them sunburn.

Some succulents are cold hardy in our Zone 7a, but most will need to be wintered over inside, preferably in a greenhouse or basement with supplemental lighting.

No plant is easier to propagate than succulents. Take a leaf (or use one that falls off), lay aside in a sheltered spot for a few days so the cut will callus. Stick the callused end in soil, water thoroughly and it will root. Do not keep the soil damp, water when the soil is completely dry.

In areas where there is heavy rain in the spring and fall, succulents in container should be in a covered area to prevent their roots from sitting in wet soil. When the rainy season is over, they can be moved to the patio or other outdoor spaces.

Avoid over-watering and succulents are perfect for an almost carefree garden. For inspiration and more details, visit The Succulent Perch website. (If you find background music annoying, you may want to mute the sound while visiting their page.)