Success with Sensational Succulents
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Anne-Marie Walker
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Sedum repestre ‘Angelina’, Echeveria elegans and Aeonium decorum form a border of lovely contrasting colors. Photo: Lillian Trac
Spring and fall are the best times to plant succulents. Temperature swings have evened out and new plants have time to spread their roots. UC Marin Master Gardeners have been propagating and growing succulents at Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael for the Big Outdoor Succulent Sale on Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 8 am to 11am. The public is invited to attend wearing a mask and socially distancing to purchase succulents with either cash or check only. Fun and artfully arranged succulent planters will also be available. For more information on succulents as well as a list of succulents for sale, go to www.marinmg@ucanr.edu.
Success in growing succulents is best achieved by understanding their growth habits. For most succulents, this means keeping their roots dry. Plant in soil that has been combined with porous materials like lava rock, pumice or even compost. As most soil in Marin is clay, succulents planted in a raised mound help to ensure drainage. Place the more water tolerant succulents at the base of the mound and the more water sensitive succulents at the top of the mound. While all succulents are from dry regions of the world, those from Mediterranean climates grow in winter and are dormant in summer. This includes aeoniums, aloes, crassulas, kalanchoes and sedums. Succulents from other dry regions including Australia, the Arabian Peninsula and the deserts of Argentina, Arizona and Mexico grow in summer and are dormant in winter. Summer-growers include agaves, echeverias and sempervivums.
The plump orange leaves of the 'Campfire' jade plant protect from harmful UV rays. Photo: David S. WalkerThe burgundy leafed Aeonium arboretum 'Zwartkop' is planted at Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael. Photo: David S. Walker
Another sensational succulent is Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ whose architecturally ornate symmetrical form fits in any garden. This dark burgundy succulent pairs well with Senecio mandrelascae ‘Blue Chalk Sticks’ which is also for sale. Lots of hybrid succulents have appeared recently including Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives’ whose sensational color ranges from orange to bronze to lilac. Succulents bring unsurpassed beauty to our gardens. Don’t miss the Big Outdoor Succulent Sale, May 22, 2021 from 8am to 11am at Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael and dig into the world of succulents.