Tips on Growing Beautiful Succulent Gardens

People love succulents. What’s not to love! They’re drought tolerant, are easy to grow, and they can create a colorful yard in no time at all. We can combine a diverse range of plants with unique forms and colors. And in the Las Vegas area, we can use the succulent plant for xeriscaping and add instant curb appeal!

Succulents have many pleasing attributes. Best of all, designing a succulent garden is fun and rewarding! We can do things such as repeating colors and forms and incorporating textural plants. We can also group plants in varying heights and sizes to create an eye-catching scene. Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire,’ can be the perfect backdrop for the low-growing Senecio serpens ‘Blue Chalk Sticks. Create a sea of blue that blends perfectly with the coral reef-like structure of Sticks on Fire.

We like to think of succulents as living works of art, whether growing them in pots, succulent bowls, or planting them in the ground. These are cool-looking plants no matter how we choose to plant them. If you are looking for a sculptural, water-wise garden for the dry Las Vegas climate, consider succulent gardens.

How To Care For Succulents

Succulents are easy to keep alive. With a little TLC, we can help our succulent garden look its very best. Most of these succulent plants can grow well outside. Feel free to grow them indoors, too. If you plan to grow some indoors, look for those that are naturally green. Keep reading for more tips on how to care for succulents.

How to Water: You will want to be sure not to overwater. Deep watering is recommended, just be sure to keep the soil moist and not soggy. After all, succulents hate wet feet. In fact, too much water can kill these plants. Once established, many of these plants can go without water for a long time because water is stored in the plant.

Soil Materials: it is crucial that the plants have good drainage. Improve the soil by adding compost, sharp sand or pumice. If you plan to pot them, a terra cotta pot is a great choice because it allows more air flow to the roots.

How Much Light do Succulents Need: These plants love the sun. Full sun will help it grow and thrive. During those bright and hot Las Vegas days, we will want to provide some protection with afternoon shade to shield the plants from the blistering sun.

What's the Best Fertilizer:  In Las Vegas, our succulents will experience the extreme heat and freezing temperatures of our desert climate. And while succulents are built to withstand these kinds of conditions, they could use a little help. Help is on the way! We created a Xeriscape specific formula made just for succulents. This formula is called Desert Juice! This exclusive formula is infused with Calcium and Furst Liquid which can strengthen our cacti, agave, and succulents! Click here for more information on this beneficial fast acting liquid!

Create A Succulent Garden With These Plants

People are always asking us where to plant succulents. While there is no right or wrong way, we like to tell people to arrange them like artwork.  No matter what you do, creating a succulent garden can add color and plenty of interest!

Sticks on Fire / Fire Sticks (Euphorbia tirucalli)

Brilliant colors and a coral reef-like structure help to make this a modern landscapers dream plant. It’s green and orange for most of the year. However, during the shorter days of winter, the tips turn to a fiery red color. These plants can grow tall and complement a wide range of other plants, too. You can plant them in a rock garden, and you can even grow them indoors. If you are looking for a plant that can explode with color, look for Sticks on Fire! 

Blue Fingers (Senecio serpens)

There are not too many plants that can add a splash of blue. The good news is that Blue Fingers can, and do it in a way that can create a bold and beautiful ground cover. When they are planted next to other succulents, the blue color “pops” in the garden. Feel free to plant them in a rock garden and enjoy the showy color in the Las Vegas sun! We can also use them as a “carpet” to cover up any bare spots in the landscape.

Blue Glow Agave (Agave ‘Blue Glow’)

Color your yard with a Blue Glow. This agave makes a bold statement thanks to its architectural look and dramatic blue-green foliage.  This is a spectacular water-wise addition to any garden in Las Vegas. We like to plant them as a rich accent color to other plants in the yard. They never get too big, and its symmetrical look is sure to enhance any location! These are a great addition to a front patio. 

Firecracker Echeveria (Echeveria setosa)

Get ready to celebrate as this Firecracker makes your landscape “pop” with colors! In spring and early summer, dramatic spikes of red and yellow flowers rise about the fuzzy, gray-green foliage. Hummingbirds love the flowers, and people enjoy the colorful scene it can create in the yard. 

Aeonium ‘Purple Queen’ (Aeonium manriqueorum)

We are enamored with the purple foliage of the ‘Purple Queen’ succulent. This plant can grow upright and rise above the ground with leaves that grow darker as it ages. During the extremely hot days in Las Vegas, we will want to protect it with some afternoon shade.

Designing with Succulents

We can design with succulents in Las Vegas. During extreme temperatures and sun, we will want to protect most of our succulents with afternoon shade. Feel free to speak with our nursery pros for placement ideas.