Juiciest succulents
WHEN a variegated stonecrop was crowned plant of the year at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, it made horticultural history. Sedum takesimense ‘Atlantis’ became the first succulent to walk away with the coveted prize, which has largely been taken by shrubs and perennials in the past.
Forming a compact clump of fleshy green leaves with yellow margins, and topped with yellow flowers in summer, this newcomer has been in high demand since its launch. Part of its appeal is that, unlike many succulents – sensitive snowflakes that quiver at the mere mention of frost – this can survive temperatures down to minus 30C.
Despite its well-deserved success, ‘Atlantis’ is not the only hardy succulent available. There are many others that will take a cold snap in their stride, providing years of exceptional service. They’re almost guaranteed to make it through winter unscathed as long as their roots don’t get waterlogged.
Among those up to the challenge are varieties of crassula, delosperma and many other sedums. Houseleeks, or sempervivums, are a virtually indestructible clan that come from mountainous areas of Central Europe. Even a few aloes and agaves are more robust than they first appear, surviving outdoors with care.
As far as I’m concerned, hardy succulents have a lot going for them. Apart from their good looks, they are practically foolproof thanks to being slow growing, drought tolerant and requiring virtually no upkeep. Some are herbaceous, dying back in winter and returning in spring, while others add interest all year.
These plants are incredibly versatile. They are obvious candidates for containers, from summer patio pots to window boxes, while larger ones make great specimens for gravel gardens and so-called xeriscape schemes, rubbing shoulders with other water-efficient plants.
Smaller ones that gradually spread to form compact mounds are perfect in rock gardens or planted among low-growing alpines in old ceramic sinks. They can also be used to form living walls and green roofs, and are ideal for plugging gaps in mortar joints on brick walls or tucked into cracks between paving slabs.
Sedums are a varied group of succulents. Apart from tender ones from places such as Mexico and North Africa, there’s a whole host of tougher cookies from mountainous parts of Japan, Europe and North America. Several are native to Britain, including Sedum rupestre and moss-like Sedum acre. One of my favourites is S.spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ (sometimes sold as ‘Dragon’s Blood’), a vigorous, evergreen that makes a 2ft-wide clump of fleshy green leaves in summer,
turning dark red as temperatures drop in autumn. Plants are topped with sprays of 4in-high pink flowers in late summer.
Sempervivums are a large family of lowgrowing succulents that form a rosette of leaves topped with starry pink, red, purple or cream flowers in summer. Plants produce baby rosettes on runners, allowing them to spread and develop dense mats of foliage.
The rosettes come in a wide range of colours, including bright yellow, grey, pink and near-black. Some are a solid shade, while others are embellished with darker or lighter leaf tips. In the past, exotic treasures such as Agave americana were only ever seen indoors. However, they are hardy to at least minus 7C. Either set on a slope so that rainwater can run away from the roots, or grow in a pot – place on its side in winter to keep roots dry.
As a rule, hardy succulents prefer a warm, sunny spot and well-drained soil. Use loambased compost, such as John Innes No2, with a handful of extra grit, if growing in pots. Water occasionally in summer and remove any dead leaves.