02 Oct 2017
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TOP 5 INDIGENOUS SUCCULENTS

South Africa’s indigenous succulents are not only stunning but also hardy, water-wise and perfect for creating low-maintenance, year-round interest in your garden. Here’s 5 of our favourites with tips on how to use them in the garden:

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora

Why Plant It?

  • Striking, paddle-shaped leaves with a red blush on the edges.
  • Drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun.
  • Adds unique texture and colour to any garden.

Garden Uses:

  • Perfect as a feature plant in rockeries or succulent gardens.
  • Great for container planting or mixed succulent arrangements.

Crassula ovata

Why Plant it?

  • Easy to grow and long-lasting.
  • Known as a “lucky plant” symbolising prosperity.
  • Can thrive on minimal care.

Garden Uses:

  • Ideal for bonsai enthusiasts.
  • Perfect for borders, containers, or even hedging.

Senecio cylindricus

Why Plant it?

  • Compact and fast-growing with striking cylindrical blue-grey leaves.
  • Excellent drought resistance.
  • Low-maintenance and adaptable.

Garden Uses:

  • Makes a superb groundcover.
  • Use to soften the edges of pathways or in mixed succulent beds.

Cotyledon orbiculata

Why Plant it?

  • Large, fleshy leaves with a silvery sheen.
  • Showy orange or red bell-shaped flowers in summer.
  • Extremely hardy and tolerates poor soil.

Garden Uses:

  • Adds a dramatic element to dry gardens or rockeries.
  • Attractive to birds and pollinators, making it great for wildlife gardens.

Oscularia deltoides

Why Plant it?

  • Small, triangular leaves with a powdery blue hue.
  • Profuse pink-purple flowers in spring and summer.
  • Fast-growing and drought-tolerant.

Garden Uses:

  • Excellent as a cascading plant for retaining walls or hanging baskets.
  • Creates a stunning groundcover in sunny areas.

Please note that while this article highlights a variety of indigenous plants ideal for potting, availability may vary based on the current season. Some plants mentioned may not be in stock at this time. We recommend checking with our store for the latest availability.
DISCLAIMER:  The information presented on this website is intended solely as a general guide. We neither endorse specific plant varieties over others nor claim expertise in stock performance. All information is believed to be accurate, based on private inquiries and experiences, and is provided in good faith. Blackwood’s, including its employees, disclaims any responsibility for harm, loss, cost, or damage arising from the use or reliance upon any information on this website, especially if any part of the information proves to be inaccurate or incomplete. Please note that the displayed photos are not representative of current stock but are used for illustrative purposes only.