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Most of you have probably heard of Aloe, Cacti, Hen and Chicks and Sedum; these plants are all succulents. The list goes on and on with many different varieties to choose from, some hardy to this area and many that are not. The varieties mentioned in this article (mostly Hen and Chicks and Sedum) are hardy in North Carolina, which means they will survive our winter weather.
Sempervivum (also known as Hen and Chicks or Houseleek) are evergreen perennial plants. Tightly packed rosettes of leaves with little offsets that cluster around the parent rosette (hence the name Hen and Chicks) make this plant very interesting and unique. Ideal conditions are full sun, very well drained soil, dry conditions, with even less water during the winter months. Sempervivum can be used in rock gardens and miniature gardens, make great container plants, are attractive at garden’s edge or as a small scale ground cover. Some varieties can even be used in stone wall crevices or other difficult sites.
Sedum (also known as Stonecrop) is available in many different varieties. Many of these varieties are hardy in North Carolina and are evergreen, as well. Most are tiny and trailing with fleshy leaves which vary in size, shape and color. The leaves on many varieties tend to turn reddish during the winter months. In addition, the flower colors of Sedum typically are white, yellow, pinks or red. Many varieties of Sedum prefer full sun, while others prefer part sun. Well drained soil and dry conditions (once established) are ideal. Sedum grows well in rock gardens and slopes, in crevices of stone walls, is excellent used as a ground cover and works well in containers.
Delosperma (Ice Plant) is another hardy favorite in the succulent family. There are various varieties to choose from all with vibrant daisies that cover succulent, low-growing foliage. Bloom colors are usually pinkish-purple, yellow or white; some varieties bloom all summer long, well into the fall season. They make an excellent ground cover for dry, poor soils, as an edging, or work well in a rock garden.
Whichever varieties you fancy, they all have one thing in common: all succulents are great plants for expressing your creative side! They will grow in just about any kind of container as long as there is good drainage. They look great in shallow terra cotta containers, in strawberry pots, in trough containers, in tin cans with drainage holes, planted in cinder block openings, etc., the list goes on and on. We’ve had fun with succulents at Fairview by creating such things as a living wreath, a dog house with a green roof (planted with succulents), even a bird house with succulents planted in the rooftop. Stop by to see these fun creations.
You’ll find a great selection of succulents at Fairview. Shop for the hardy varieties in the perennial department and those that are not hardy (houseplants) in the greenhouse.
Planting your own succulent container is quite easy. Decide what you would like to plant them in (be creative!). Select different succulent varieties, each with different leaf shapes and colors. Fill your container with potting soil that has been given the appropriate dose of Osmocote. Arrange your succulents in the potting soil, water them in well and viola! Make sure to water your succulents whenever the soil is dry to the touch. Sit back and enjoy your newly created, low maintenance, succulent garden! Oh yeah, and remember not to worry about them when your away on vacation (once they are established, of course)!
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