Tall Lady Slipper
Tall lady slipper (Pedilanthus bracteatus, now Euphorbia bracteata) is an upright succulent shrub native to Mexico, with slender green stems, small leaves, and unusual slipper-shaped flower bracts. Special Features Sculptural vertical form; heat and drought tolerant once established; flowers attract hummingbirds. Problems & Solutions Overwatering can cause root rot; ensure excellent drainage. Frost can damage […]
Zig Zag Euphorbia
A cactus-like succulent with upright, angular green stems marked by pale bands, paired spines, and irregular constrictions that create a zigzag outline. Special Features Sculptural branching, patterned stems, and drought tolerance; resembles a cactus but belongs to the euphorbia family. Problems & Solutions Root rot (provide sharp drainage and avoid overwatering); sunburn (provide afternoon shade); […]
Blue Chalk
A low-growing succulent with powdery blue-gray, fingerlike leaves that form a spreading carpet. Also commonly sold as Senecio serpens. Special Features Distinctive blue foliage; drought tolerant once established; easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Potentially toxic if ingested by people or pets. Problems & Solutions Root rot from wet soil: improve drainage and let soil […]
Black Aeonium
A branching succulent with large rosettes of glossy, deep burgundy to nearly black leaves atop woody stems. Best grown in protected locations in Phoenix. Special Features Striking nearly black rosettes; cool-season growth; easily propagated from stem cuttings. Less tolerant of extreme desert heat than many landscape succulents. Problems & Solutions Phoenix summer heat and afternoon […]
Chalk Fingers
An upright, branching succulent with elongated, fingerlike, blue-gray leaves coated in a powdery white bloom; also known as big blue chalk sticks. Special Features Striking chalky blue foliage; drought tolerant once established; provides strong vertical contrast among rounded succulents. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot from wet soil (improve drainage and allow drying); sunburn […]
Echeveria ‘Blue Elf’
A compact succulent with fleshy blue-green rosettes and pink to red leaf tips. Commonly sold as Echeveria ‘Blue Elf’, it is generally classified as ×Sedeveria ‘Blue Elf’, a Sedum–Echeveria hybrid. Special Features Compact blue-toned rosettes; colorful leaf tips; produces offsets readily; drought tolerant once established. Problems & Solutions Root rot: improve drainage and avoid frequent […]
Maternity Plant
An upright succulent native to Madagascar with fleshy, triangular leaves edged with tiny plantlets; also called mother of thousands. Special Features Produces abundant miniature plantlets along leaf margins; drought tolerant once established and easily propagated. Problems & Solutions Frost tender in Zone 9b; move containers indoors or provide protection during freezing weather. Intense sun can […]