💧 Why Succulents Are a Gardener’s Best Friend
It’s no secret that Succulents are a gardener’s best friend! They are very hardy, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and will grow practically anywhere in well-drained soil. Their ability to store water in their stems, leaves or roots makes them ideal water-wise plants and the wide variety of succulents available means they can be planted in containers, border edging or to cover any bare soil. Generally, they prefer a position in full sun but will tolerate a semi-shaded position.
🌸 CRASSULA OVATA “Gollum Jade”
Crassula ovata (Gollum Jade), is an upright growing multiple-stemmed shrubby succulent that can grow to a height of 2m. It has flat heads of pale pink flowers in Autumn.
🌿 CRASSULA EXPANSA
Crassula expansa is a spreading form of this variety growing to around 6cm tall with pretty white flowers tinged with red, and narrow leaves.
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🌅 CRASSULA OVATA “Hummel’s Sunset” (Golden Jade Tree)
Crassula ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’ (Golden Jade Tree) has colourful foliage in shades of green, yellow and red. When grown in full sun these colours will intensify.
🐘 PORTULACARIA AFRA (Elephant Bush)
Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush) can be grown as a hedging or screening plant, growing up to 3m tall. In late Winter and Spring tiny pink flowers will cover the plant providing a feast of nectar for insects which, in turn, attracts grateful birds looking for a tasty meal! Definitely a must-have plant for the garden.
❄️ DELOSPERMA COOPERII (Ice Plant)
Delosperma cooperii (Ice Plant) is an evergreen, indigenous plant that has a creeping habit. The flowers are fuchsia purple and the leaves glisten with the water-retaining cells on the surface, hence the name ‘Ice Plant’. A vigorously spreading plant that will grow to 10–15cm tall.
🦋 KALANCHOE SEXANGULARIS
Kalanchoe sexangularis belongs to the Crassula family. It is a medium-sized shrub, growing to around 1.5m with broad green leaves which turn dark red during Winter when planted in full sun. The flowers are small, yellow and tubular, attracting bees, butterflies and other insects.
🏡 Perfect for Water-Wise Gardens
This versatile plant can be used in borders, rockeries or containers. It grows rapidly but a good pruning if it gets untidy will keep it looking good.
Village Gardens is an established landscaping and garden design company in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, creating beautiful outdoor spaces that balance aesthetics, practicality and environmental sustainability.
Their expertise includes water-wise landscapes, indigenous gardens, edible gardens and outdoor spaces designed to attract and support local wildlife.