Specimen Guide: Succulents

Available in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and colors, we firmly believe that there's a succulent variety for every space in the garden. With lots of new arrivals in our nurseries, we asked our experts-- plant buyers Steve H. and Karen C.-- to help us craft a specimen guide showcasing some new and unusual succulents. Read on to learn more about four of their favorite varieties right now.

Jovibarba hirta: Karen says, "I'm loving Jovibarba these days, and Jovibarba hirta has been a bestseller in our nursery this year! It’s a form of Hens and Chicks that's also commonly called “rollers.” Jovibarba are very similar to Sempervivum, except for how they form new "chicks." Sempervivum form new growth under the adult rosette, but Jovibarba send them up over the mother plant on brittle stems that break easily, sending the babies rolling away to find a place to root." Native to European mountain ranges including the Alps and Balkans, these hardy, rosette-shaped succulents are part of their own, very small subgenus that includes just three species.

Echeveria sp., Echeveria pulidonis, & Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg': A large genus of succulents-- and some of the most popular-- Echeveria are native to semi-desert regions of Central and South America. We picked these varieties for their diverse and vivid colors, as well as their resilience in dry conditions. Echeveria are easy to propagate via offsets or leaf cuttings, so you can have an abundant crop in just a few seasons. Right now, Karen and Steve are especially loving a variety known as 'Perle von Nurnberg,' which adds beautiful color to container gardens with a rosette of pink-tinted leaves and coral-hued flowers during the summer months.

Sedum nussbaumerianum: Commonly known as 'Coppertone Stonecrop,' this Sedum variety is notable for its colorful foliage, which is tinted with shades of red, orange, and brown. White, lightly fragrant flowers appear in early spring, adding interest to rock gardens or container plantings. Preferring dry conditions, it will be at its most colorful in full sun, but can also flourish indoors.