Why do I love them so much you may ask? It’s a funny thing really but I, and I know many others, can attest to the addictiveness of these plants. They literally are like a can of Pringles…once you pop!…

My husband Al was the one who started me on the succulent path. He is a typical fan of what we liked to call “bachelor plants” and when I first met him he had a small collection that were literally hanging on to dear life. I think that’s what he liked most, not having to give these poor plants an inch of attention! Amongst this collection was a Graptopetalum paraguayense, commonly known as a Ghost Plant, that captivated me with her long winding and trailing rosettes. We named her Medusa for obvious reasons. Medusa, now over 20 years old, still spews out her long fronds and never looks worse for wear. An amazing plant if there was one.

I realised how beautiful these plants can be when I bought my first Afterglow, an Echeveria Afterglow in case your dirty mind was wondering (wink). This hybrid Echeveria has literally the most glorious pink/mauve/purple glow and still remains my signature plant to this day. I was hooked!

So enough nostalgia, here are 10 reasons why succulents tend to be my go-to plants when it comes to my vertical installations and my own garden:

1. Low Maintenance and Drought Tolerant

Ya ya, that’s pretty obvious and why most people are now going this route. Getting this out of the way first. A definite plus but they are SOOOOO much more. Plants that have their very own reservoirs though…how cool is that?

2. Those Textures

In creative gardening, textures are important to create contrast and interest and succulents have a myriad of textures that are simply fascinating.

3. Colours

Visitors are always amazed at how colourful they can be. Succulents are often the most colourful things in a garden that are not flowers and then they still produce the most spectacular flowers to boot!

4. Cuteness Factor

Who can’t love a plant called Baby Toes or Bear’s Paw. AAAAAWWWWW!

5. Super Easy to Propagate

From one plant you can easily have a family in no time!

6. Gorgeous Rosettes

Who needs roses that only last a few days when you can have ever lasting rosettes the size of dinner plates in spectacular colours all year round!

7. Trailing Ability

Wonderful for pots and vertical planters, the trailers are some of my favourites.

8. Lush Looking Form Plants

We all love a lush looking space. Many varieties are not only tough, but can handle drought and look lush doing it…a no brainer. Symmetrical forms and shapes add so much interest and make fabulous focal points.

9. Seasonal Changes and Intensifying colours

Never boring, always changing. There are many that change hue depending on the season.

10. Some are Shade Loving

Succulents are just that because their leaves have adapted to hold water in times of drought. This does not automatically mean they all love heat and full sun! There are many shade loving varieties that handle and prefer tough,dry, shady conditions. In fact, I find most enjoy a certain amount of shade during the day. This must come from many of them having rock dwelling habits in nature where the rocks provide shade for part of the day.

Have I sold you on them yet? (wink)