I get inspired by visiting gardens and after visiting the Boyce Thompson Arboretum this past spring, I got some ideas. But instead of posting these beautiful succulents right away, I wanted to see how they would do over our hot summer. These were placed in afternoon sun in well drained soil. I will cover the remaining survivors up this winter during our freezes. This was an experiment on succulents here in Tucson. So let's take a look at what survived and is hardy.......
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| Crassula argentea 'E.T.'s Fingers' |
'E.T's Fingers' was one of my favorites, but it died. This one requires a bit of shade.
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| Chocolate Soldier |
The Chocolate Soldier slowly died and disappeared. It likes morning sun.
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| Echeveria multicaulis |
Surprisingly, this one has survived! But barely.
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| Graptosedum 'Vera Higgins' |
This 'Vera Higgins' survived but barely.
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| Key Lime Pie or Adromischus cristatus |
Key Lime Pie would like some cooler temps but it's hanging in there.
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| Cocoon Plant/Senecio haworthii |
The Cocoon Plant is still alive.
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| Aloe descoingsii |
This Aloe thrives!
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| Climbing Aloe/Aloe ciliaris |
So does this one. It's beautiful and very very green.
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| Ripple Jade/Crassula arborescens undulatifolia |
Unfortuneatly, this Crassula didn't make it.
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| Rainbow Bush/Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' |
This Rainbow Bush is the WINNER for heat. I like it in mass plantings AND the best part? It will thrive in almost full sun. This plant seems to have done the best out of them all. I am going to purchase more of these and plant them in repetitive form.
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| Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Cebenses' |
This plant is barely holding on.....
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| Crassula Springtime |
This Crassula has gone the way of the dinosaurs.
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| Echeveria minima |
Still hanging on but would like cooler temps, this Echeveria minima is a favorite.
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| Haworthia mirabilis mundula |
This Haworthia mirabilis mundula is my favorite. I planted this in mostly shade because I love it. It is doing well.
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| Kalanchoe longiflora coccinea |
This Kalanchoe is still around.
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| Echeveria Ramillette |
As is this Echeveria Ramillette.
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| Cremnosedum 'Crocodile' |
I also like this Cremnosedum 'Crocodile'. It's doing well and alive. So my Tucson gardening friends, I would say that all of these need strong morning sun but protection from the blinding afternoon heat. The Rainbow bush and aloe thrive on full sun. The Rainbow Bush is the winner for the extreme desert heat and sun. It's extremely attractive and makes a nice addition to an area that needs mass plantings. Of course most succulents need some regular watering in extreme heat, but don't overwater or you'll kill them. Knowing this information, I'll be able to better place future generations of succulents around the El Presidio grounds. Too much shade and they'll rot. Too much sun and they'll burn. Also remember that they will freeze if not covered during our winter nights. If you'd like a reliable succulent ground cover for your garden, plant the popular ice plant. Little water. Lots of sun and heat.....and BAM! Perfection. Until tomorrow...
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| Sedeveria 'Blue Elf' |
There's your very own Tucson test. I like everyone of these amazing plants and I have a plan to create garden art with them. However, this time, I will be providing some protective shade for them down the road.
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