Plant Water-Wise Succulents to Add Sizzle to Your Summer
Garden tip from Patty Cordero, manager
Armstrong Garden Centers Mission Valley
10320 Friars Road
619-563-1433
Armstrong Garden Centers (AGC) has been taking the guesswork out of gardening since 1889. AGC is the largest California independent retail nursery company with 31 locations throughout the state, seven of them in San Diego County. This month join a free “Succulents in Containers” class at participating Armstrong Garden Centers at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 9.
The mild, warm climate of Southern California is perfect for growing succulents and cacti. They are the most sustainable plants around, especially for gardeners seeking water-wise solutions for summer gardens. Succulents are the perfect addition to any home all year round.
These plants have adapted to survive arid conditions throughout the world, which results in an incredible variety of leaf forms and plant shapes. An interesting fact: all cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti. Succulents are water-retaining plants. They hold moisture in their leaves, stems, and roots. Cacti are succulents that have spines.
Successful tips for growing succulents:
Good drainage: Excessive moisture will cause them to rot.
Proper moisture: A deep, infrequent watering in a container planting is best.
Proper light: Succulents grow well in full or partial sun.
Proper irrigation: Water a couple of times a month in the summer to supplement. In the ground be careful not to plant in areas that get hit by sprinklers frequently or areas that stay wet.
You can plant succulents almost anywhere:
- In pots
- In the ground
- In rock gardens
- In native plantings
- In wall gardens
- On roof tops
- Inside
Sedums, echeveria, and aeoniums are the most popular and come in many different sizes, growth habits, and colors. Most succulents will grow very happily mixed together with their friends. There are several varieties of echeveria hybrids that add interest to a succulent arrangement.
