How and Why Jades Prune Themselves

Jade (Crassula ovata) in bloom (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Because it thins itself, jade plant (Crassula ovata) and its cultivars are extremely low-maintenance. These shrub succulents are wonderfully low-water, aesthetically pleasing garden shrubs.

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Hanging, Trailing and Vining Succulents

Cereopegia woodii, variegated (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Make the most of your patio or garden’s vertical space with succulents that have hanging, trailing or vining growth habits. Included here are those I’ve cultivated successfully and recommend.

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All About Aloes

Aloe flowers (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Ah, aloes! No other succulents add so much color, interest and drama to low-water, mild-climate gardens. Aloes are easy to grow and bloom mainly in winter when nothing else does. The number of Aloe varieties is ever-increasing, with lovely new cultivars continually being introduced. 

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Graptopetalums: Lovely, Easy Succulents

Graptopetalum paraguayense (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Of all the succulents I grow, lovely Graptopetalum paraguayense is among the easiest. Here’s how I plant, cultivate, propagate, keep healthy, and show graptopetalums to advantage. Plus intergeneric hybrids such as Graptoveria and Graptosedum. 

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Succulents with Fibonacci Spirals

Euphorbia inermis Fibonacci spiral (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Many cacti and succulents form geometric spirals similar to those of sunflowers, pine cones and nautilus shells. Spiral leaf arrangements funnel rainwater to roots and keep leaves from shading each other.

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Why You Should Grow Aloe Vera

Aloe vera leaf sliced (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Can you grow Aloe vera in your garden as an ornamental plant and harvest its medicinal leaves? Yes, but heed cautions below. This midsized succulent with tall, slender yellow flowers is famous for gel that soothes minor burns and skin irritations.

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Succulent Slope Before & After

Streetside succulent garden (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

See a problem-solving, terraced succulent garden landscaped on a budget. Challenges include hillside erosion, large area, and steep grade. Before-and-after photos, video and plant gallery.

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