Also known as the ‘hedgehog lily’ Massonia depressa is a low growing succulent native to South Africa semi arid regions. With a pair of prostrate (flattened) leaves that sit on the ground and in flower Massonia depressa has a white…
Mammillaria is a large and varied genus within the cactus family, over 250 species and one of the most widely grown cactus of all. The popularity is due to the ease of care and propagation of most species. They are…
Lithops are commonly called living stones, and they really do look like small stones, are a fascinating plant suited for growing in pots indoors. These are a plant that are increasingly popular and with more varieties available for sale each…
With over 100 species in the genus, Kalanchoe are a thick leafed succulent that are grown both for the flowers and the foliage. Well known varieties such as Kalanchoe ‘Flapjacks’, pictured below is one of the most widely grown. However…
Grown for the brilliant flowers Epiphyllum are group of a epiphytic cacti species, commonly called Epicactus or simply ‘Epis’ and sometimes ‘Orchid Cactus’. Most famous for the ‘Queen of the Night’ or ‘Night Blooming Cerus’ (Epiphyllum oxypetalum, although many varieties…
Echeverias are a large group of succulents found over a wide area from Mexico and Central America through to northern parts of South America. It is Mexico that gives us a huge range, over 150 species and mainly from higher…
With ground-cover plants being so much in demand, the creeping sedums are beginning to gain popularity. The ‘Green Roof’ industry has been a big promoter of these plants, however we want to bring them back to earth as low care…
When we think of Crassula varieties we often think of the plants we commonly called Jade Plants, however there is much more to the genus than tis group. The plant that we commonly call the ‘Jade Tree’ or ‘Money Tree’…
A member of the Agave Family. Calabanus hookeri is from the Chihuahuan Desert on the U.S. Mexico border. Tufts of grass like leaves from a single caudex. Very rare in cultivation, however it does make an attractive specimen in a…
Aporophyllum hybrids or ‘Rat Tail Cactus’ (aporocactus flagelliformis) prefer a warm climate and grow well in hanging baskets. Aporocactus (Aporophyllum hybrids) and Disocactus species have a trailing habit with long ‘rat tail’ like stems and large flowers on the stems…
Aloinopsis plants and species are originally from South Africa and are a low growing succulent that produce wonderful ‘daisy’ like flowers in winter. Aloinopsis schooneesii is perhaps one of the most sought after species. Aloinopsis Care and Growing Conditions Species…
Aloe are a popular garden plant USA , many species and lots of cultivars, in fact a list of species and varieties will astound you. Some of the plants in this genus are more garden worthy than others. with a…
Agave are a diverse group of plants, they vary in foliage form, size and growing requirements, many make great container plants. Used widely for the bold architectural foliage the larger growing varieties are difficult to top in this respect. All…
With its attractive symmetrical habit Agave geminiflora is one of the best small growing agaves for use in containers or the garden. Also known as the ‘Twin Flowered’ agave as the flower stems have twin tubular flowers. Grown mainly for…
The ‘Century Plant’ Agave Americana or ‘Century Plant’ is originally from Mexico. With its large rosette of thick brightly colored leaves Agave Americana is a very popular landscaping plant. A number of varieties are available with different growth habits, the…
CRASSULACAE Easy to grow, fast growing and attractive foliage Cotyledon orbiculata ‘Silver Waves’ is a stand out succulent for the winter garden. The silvery grey to white foliage adds colour and the flower spike that rise above in winter with…
syn. Nopalxochia phyllanthoides) One of the most attractive epiphytic cactus is Disocactus phyllanthoides is originally from South America and Mexico and is is an epiphytic cactus. However it is the hybrids that are sought after, larger flowers being the main…
Some of the unsung gems of California and Mexico are the Dudleya species. They are related to echeverias, however we think they more than deserve a little attention. With around 45 species discovered they are a fleshy leafed succulent, mostly…
Not often seen outside of collectors nurseries, Dudleya edulis is a succulent plant native to Southern California and Mexico. Sometimes called ‘Fingertips Cactus’. An attractive low growing succulent plant Dudleya edulis is also the ‘Mission Lettuce’. So why the Mission…
Dudleya anthonyi is an easy to care for succulent with attractive grey foliage. A long living succulent, the species is named after A.W Anthony and is sometimes referred to as Anthony’s ‘Live Forever’. This species, although related to others is…
Another attractive succulent from California and surrounding areas Dudleya brittonii is well suited to growing in the rock garden or in pots and containers. Two forms of this one with the silver foliage form (silver dollar plant) and the green…
Nearly every gardener has heard of Euphorbias and many have grown them. Understanding what a diverse and fascinating group of plants is another issue. From the well known commercial garden plants such as Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ and Euphorbia milii commonly…
Wood Spurge Euphorbia amygdaloides or ‘Wood spurge’ is an evergreen plant that is at home in both sun and shade. Masses of flowers from spring to summer you do need to wear gloves as the sap is an irritant. Perhaps…
A varied group of succulents from the Mediterranean, Euphorbia characias have also been highly used in hybridisation with many useful garden plants resulting. They thrive in dry sunny positions and are a useful addition to the perennial border or rock…
The ‘Crown of Thorns’ Although Euphorbia millii is better known as the ‘Crown of Thorns’ those that we see in cultivation are mainly hybrids. These are a succulent plant however they do require a little more water than most. With…
Euphorbia tirucalli or ‘Firestick plant’ is a leafless succulent that forma a small shrub over time. Species and cultivars include: Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Rosea’ (Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Firesticks’) which is a sun loving drought tolerant euphorbia well suited to growing in rock…
With so many types of cactus plants and succulent plants available for sale online it is easy to characterise many forms as generally drought tolerant. However individual species need to be closely examined to see which varieties make an interesting…
Crassulaceae Graptopetalum paraguayense is known as the ‘Mother of Pearl Plant’ or ‘Ghost Plant’. A native of Mexico, is a small (to 0.2m) perennial succulent with dense rosettes of grey leaves on fleshy stems with a pinkish/reddish tinge and a…
Aeonium haworthii or Pinwheel Aeonium is a succulent that is native to the Canary Islands. This a low growing species reaching only 2 ft in height. It will spread to over 3 ft and makes an interesting ground cover. Haworth’s…
Haworthia attenuata is an excellent species for beginners, it is easier to grow than most and is reasonably small. Also known as the ‘Zebra Plant’ because of the striped foliage it is easy to propagate and looks great when grown…
