Succulent gardens are becoming popular, as they improve the aesthetic of a garden without requiring much care or maintenance. They can be planted along borders or designed to be a focal point of your garden, and the dense nature of succulents means weeds struggle to thrive in a succulent garden. Being naturally drought-resistant, they require very little water, so you don't have to spend your summer evenings with your hose or watering can. Here are four drought-resistant plants for your succulent garden:
Foxtail Agave
Foxtail agave is a striking plant that has a central spear that long green leaves protrude from. The leaves are smooth and curved, and this makes the plant look like a giant green flower, making it a popular choice with landscapers. A cluster of foxtail agave plants will make your succulent garden look lush, and they are an inexpensive addition to your garden.
Ghost Plant
The ghost plant is a small succulent that is formed like an open pinecone. Its small, spongy leaves can change colour depending on the amount of sunlight they are exposed to, and during the summer months, you may see it develop a pink, blue or yellow hue. The tip of the plant has a beautiful rosette shape, and once a year, the ghost plant produces striking yellow flowers.
Paddle Plant
Paddle plants have large, thin leaves that are shaped like discs. They are bright red, which makes this plant a good choice when you want to add a splash of colour to your succulent garden. When the plant reaches maturity, a single flowering stalk will grow from its centre and several small yellow flowers will extend from the stalk.
Golden Barrel
The golden barrel plant is dark green and bulbous in shape. It's covered with golden spines and is a particularly hardy plant. The shape of this plant makes it ideal for filling in bare spots in your succulent garden. Small flowers will grow around the top of the golden barrel plant, and they can be white, pink, yellow or red. If the flowers are pollinated, small fruits will grow on top of the plant that look like tiny pineapples. The fruit is edible and can be eaten freshly picked or made into chutney.
These are just a few examples of drought-resistant plants that are ideal in succulent gardens. If you're unsure of the suitability of a plant, your local plant nursery can advise you on their care requirements and make recommendations based on your needs.