Succulents include more than four dozen plant families (including all cacti). All are distinguished by their ability to contend with arid conditions by storing scarce moisture in their highly evolved stems, leaves, and/or roots. Some succulents utilize all three types of water storage. Under extreme drought conditions, certain root type succulents -- those that store water in their roots rather than their leaves or stems -- will even drop their leaves, suspending all above ground growth until such conditions improve.
Our inventory includes cacti, agaves, sedum, euphorbias, and other drought-tolerant plants. All our cacti and succulents are grown outdoors, hardened for harsh conditions. Come in and see our selection.
The Agave is often called "The Century Plant," due to both its long life and its once-in-a-lifetime flowering extravaganza. Some Agaves are truly extraordinary. For example, the Agavi americana can grow to be 6 feet wide with flower stalks up to 40 feet high! Unfortunately this incredible plant can't take our high desert winters.
Although very few agaves are cold tolerant, we do carry the amazing Agave parryi -- commonly known as Parry's Agave -- which is hardy down to 0°F. This beautiful blue-gray evergreen grows to a 2 ft. spread and, once established, requires very little water. It's flower stalk can be up to 15 feet high with pink and yellow blossoms. These hardy plants are truly beautiful and give a classic look to rock gardens and xeric landscapes.
| Top |
We search for uncommon perennial sedum that will be zone hardy and easy to care for. We carry many different kinds, with a wide range of color and shape.
Also called stonecrop, sedum can be used as fine xeric ground covers. Many types will flower profusely for months at a time. They typically die back in the winter, but return again next spring. From the deepest of greens to silver gray, purple and dragon's blood red, sedum are great drought tolerant companions for both landscaping and rock gardening. Remember though, sedum will require more water than cacti.
Yuccas are usually classified as part of the lily family (Liliacaea), but sometimes they are thought of as part of the agave family (Agavaceae). Historically, the buds and young flower stalks of certain yuccas have been roasted and used for food. The most distinguishing feature is their type of leaf and the way they cluster, with a rosette of stiff, spiked leaves. Color can range from deep green to silver to burgundy red. Yuccas love well drained soil. They require infrequent watering and invoke a distinctive southwestern feel. When they bloom, you'll want to throw a garden party because the yucca flower is truly something wonderful to behold.
Who doesn't love the mighty Joshua Tree? This amazing tree-sized yucca is unique to our part of the world: indigenous to North America in Arizona, California, Utah and Nevada. They thrive in elevations between 2,000 and 6,000 feet. They can live easily with freezing temperatures and snow in the winter, but they require a dry, hot summer. Very little water and searing heat: what more could we ask for?
Joshua Trees are slow growing wonders that take very little care. In fact, give them a nice southern exposure with well drained soil and you can pretty much leave them to themselves.
Always a conversation piece, we have baby Joshua Trees in stock.
There are several types of succulents that make great companion plants for your garden and landscaping plans. And remember, most succulents (including cacti) do very well in containers. Visit our page on Cacti.
Also: Euphorbia and More on Cacti and Succulents.
