Gardening with succulents

Succulents, with their contrasting colours and interesting shape are ideal for creating a minimalist landscape with clean lines. They’re also ideal in times of drought

Here are some tips on using them in the garden:

• Use different colours and shapes to create interest.
• Use swathes of varying foliage types to give dimension.
• Combine decorative and unusual succulent shapes to make a striking composition.
• Include varieties with brightly coloured flowers like Euphorbia milii. With its shrub-like habit and imposing spines, it makes a good ‘security’ plant.
• The layout doesn’t have to be overcrowded. Large succulents make eye-catching components. Using gravel and stone as mulch not only limits evaporation, it covers bare soil.
• Carpobrotus edulis is an excellent groundcover and divides easily.

Some succulents like Kalanchoe thyrsiflora have a subtle combination of colour shading.

• Use contrasting shapes to create interest, drama and depth.
• Cooler colours often push elements into the background.
• Use scale and overlap plants in areas to create strong visual elements.
• For greater depth, plant smaller plants at the back.
• Detailed edging adds impact, holding the attention for longer.
• Add humour by using varieties that are chunky and have characterful ‘personality’.
• Use subtle variations to ‘draw’ stripes, panels and blocks and use a contrast of matt and glossy foliage.