Often called “living stones" due to their shocking resemblance to rocks and pebbles, lithops add a truly unique look to any garden endeavor. A perennial that has showy flowers, provides ground cover and is also edible, this spreading succulent boasts the most heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids of any green plant. 8 And this is just a small sampling of the valuable role succulents have played throughout time.įrom the unusual bird-like blooms of succulent orchids to the severe, protective spines of the various cacti varieties, succulents provide an array of textures and features to liven up your indoor and outdoor spaces.
7 The Roman emperor Charlemagne even mandated the planting of succulents on the rooftops of homes as a type of "insurance plan" against lightening. For example, the maguey plant has been used to make clothing fibers, 3 yucca to make soap, 4 aloe to relieve arthritis, 5 prickly pear cactus to facilitate childbirth 6 and agave to treat tuberculosis. Many cultures have relied on the medicinal and culinary uses of succulents throughout history. Aloe plants take nicely to containers, and can over-winter indoors for year-round access to their healing salve. While most cannot withstand freezing temperatures, some, including lateritia and peglerae, are hardy down to temps in the 20s, as long as they're kept dry. There are around 400 different types of aloe plants, each with distinctive characteristics. Used to treat cuts and burns, it's a medicine cabinet staple for many. Most gardeners know about the healing benefits of Aloe vera. But when they do, it is an impressive site in any garden.Īloe vera is easy and fun to grow for its healing salve. These succulents are considered “century plants" because most only bloom once in their lifetimes. 2 Agave havardiana is known for its milky juice, which is used to make a natural sweetener. Many varieties of succulent plants have an interesting historical significance and provide the opportunity to inspire good conversation in addition to a pleasing atmosphere.įor instance, Agave tequilana is necessary for the production of tequila - North America's first commercially distilled spirit. Translated from Latin, sempervivum means “ever-living," which is appropriate given that these plants thrive in poor soil, high summer heat and winter's single digit temperatures. Many succulents, including hen-and-chicks ( Sempervivum tectorum), make a stunning ground cover, especially in nutrient-poor soils where other plants have difficulty taking root. These plants can provide a low-maintenance solution to any garden or yard space that struggles with dry areas or lean, shallow soil. In addition to helping with water conservation efforts, planting succulents can also aid in erosion control and weed inhibition. This characteristic presents a great opportunity to display interesting combinations in containers as well. These and most other succulent varieties will flourish when intermingled with different species, even in tight spaces. Sedum, sempervivum and jovibarba are especially comfortable in these environments, as the settings mimic their natural habitat high in the Alpine Mountains where they cling to outcroppings and rocky cliff faces. Succulent plants are also excellent options for rock gardens and crevices in retaining walls. Their specialized root systems and water-conserving nature make them a captivating choice for xeriscaping - the practice of sustainable gardening with reduced water requirements. Succulents' tendency toward drought tolerance makes them wonderful additions to gardens in arid climates and to landscapes with nutrient-poor soil. Sedums and many other succulents grow where most other plants will not.
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