2. Captivating Succulents
Succulents are often confused with cacti, the latter conjuring up images of the American and Mexican wild west. Cacti occur in the Americas and most are thorny. South Africa has only one true cactus namely, rhipsalis baccifera (the miseltoe cactus), and it does not resemble a cactus at all. Cacti are part of the succulent family, but all have a peculiar growth point from which spines, flowers and branches develop.
Succulents are more varied in shape, size and distribution. Traditionally in South Africa, succulents have been used as fillers for difficult, dry beds, banished to remote, unattended parts of the garden or regarded as collector’s esoteric pot subjects. South African succulents, comprising 47% of the world’s succulent species, are admired and treasured in many countries, in particular the United States & Japan. But gardening trends in South Africa are changing. There is a growing interest in unusual and waterwise plants, and succulents are so versatile, they can be used as works of art in container landscaping and interplanted with many other delightful plants. They should not be regarded purely as rockery fillers. The contrasting foliage of the soft velvety, powdery greys of Helichrysums and Pelargonium reniforme together with the velvety, lilac Plectranthus venteri and the textured and unusually shaped Cotyledons, yellow Vygies, Eumorphia prostrata, Stoebes & of course aloes create a captivating display. Cotyledon orbiculata variety with its striking leaves and soft grey colour, can be used as a feature on its own within a paved boundary circle.
In container landscaping, one of the most dramatic plants is Cyphostemma, the tree grape with its swollen caudex and large leathery grey leaves. Succulents used as accent plants on patios are ideal for a weekend home as they require little care and little water. It is important to note that one must be very selective in using the right succulents for container landscaping and especially for general garden planting. Many Richtersveld and Namaqualand succulents do require special attention & they cannot be planted in the garden in the summer-rainfall regions and even in a container they will not do well if they are left exposed to rain.
There are a wonderful variety of shade-loving succulents to choose from, they are even prevalent in or on the fringes of our indigenous forests, such as rhipsalis baccifera, crassula multicava and crassula orbicularis. Euphorbia tirucalli is such a dramatic looking plant and does well in full sun or a semi-shaded patio container. Most succulents prefer full sun all day and must have well drained soil. Compost and riversand should be used if the soil in the garden is predominantly clay. They do very well on a slope and most bind the soil. If planted in pots, a sandy and light compost mixture is necessary, add a little bonemeal as well as stones at the bottom of the pot to ensure optimum drainage.
The following are a few species for general garden planting which do well in the frosty areas:
- Some Cotyledons, Ruschia, Othonna, Bulbines, some Crassulas, Carpobrotus.
- There of course many that will thrive even in cold areas, if they are protected from the elements such as the beautiful Kalanchoe thyrsifolia (with its large grey red round leaves with a red margin), Senecio articulatus, Crassula subcaulis subsp erosula and the finger leaf Cotyledon orbiculata.
Leigh Nieuwoudt