An Excellent Planter Suitable for Winter and Autumn, Featuring Architectural Succulents
In a charming display, a collection of succulents has been artfully arranged in a round bowl, serving as an ideal table centrepiece. The collection, which can be easily moved from an outside table into the house and placed on a sunny windowsill, includes four captivating species: Echeveria desmetiana, Aeonium 'Velour', Aloe 'Cleopatra', and Sempervivum tectorum.
Echeveria desmetiana, a perennial succulent, forms a low, dense rosette of highly ornamental, thick, fleshy, blue-green leaves with a dense, waxy-white patina. It bears spiked clusters of glowing, rich orange-red, tubular flowers, and its size is approximately 12cm x 12cm. The smooth leaves of Echeveria desmetiana contrast beautifully with the spiky leaves of Aloe 'Cleopatra' and Sempervivum tectorum. Aloe 'Cleopatra' has deep-green leaves with pink spiny margins and pronounced pale-grey spots, and produces tall spikes that hold orange-red flowers. Its size is approximately 20cm x 30cm.
The aloe brings all the colours together in the succulent collection, with its deep-green leaves providing a stark contrast to the blue-green of Echeveria desmetiana and the purple-tinged leaves of Aeonium 'Velour'. Aeonium 'Velour' is an upright, evergreen, succulent perennial or sub-shrub. At the end of its branching stems it produces rosettes of soft green and dark purple leaves. Its size is approximately 1m x 1m.
Sempervivum tectorum, also known as the common houseleek, is a vigorous evergreen perennial that forms a mat of clusters of fleshy rosettes. Its leaves are blue-green suffused with reddish-purple, and it has an AGM (Award of Garden Merit) rating. Its size is approximately 10cm x 45cm. The sempervivums are used to fill gaps between the other succulents and serve as a foil to their individual architecture.
The succulents require a free-draining, gritty compost, such as cactus compost or a mix of up to 30% grit or fine gravel with a good multi-purpose compost. All the succulents mentioned need to be kept away from excessive wet.
This combination of species provides a rich variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and colours, enhancing visual interest while maintaining compatibility in growing conditions. To further enhance the display, consider adding other colourful and texturally interesting species such as various Echeveria varieties, Haworthia species, Crassula varieties like Crassula ovata (‘Jade Plant’) or Crassula perforata (‘String of Buttons’), Sedum species, Graptopetalum and Pachyphytum, and Kalanchoe types.
Echeveria desmetiana is rated as RHS H3, and Aeonium 'Velour' is rated as RHS H1C. The succulent collection can bring interest to a windowsill or covered area as winter approaches, making it a perfect addition to your indoor garden. Succulents are a good way to grow plants indoors, offering a low-maintenance, visually striking option for those looking to bring a touch of nature into their homes.
The diverse succulent collection, including Echeveria desmetiana, Aeonium 'Velour', Aloe 'Cleopatra', and Sempervivum tectorum, not only serves as a captivating table centrepiece but also adds a lively touch to home-and-garden lifestyle. Arrange these plants in your gardens, windowsills, or indoor home-and-garden areas for a visually appealing and low-maintenance touch of nature. As your collection grows, consider adding other species like various Echeveria varieties, Haworthia, Crassula, Sedum, Graptopetalum, Pachyphytum, and Kalanchoe to further enrich your lifestyle with plants.
