Prized for the shape and pretty color of its foliage, Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks) is a spreading succulent from South Africa with 3-4 in. long (7-10 cm), silvery blue, finger-like fleshy leaves and small white flowers in summer. Quickly forming a dense blue mat with its upward curving leaves, this low-growing succulent is highly versatile and ideal as a border plant or as a groundcover. Great for creating a low, blue edging too.

Quite cold-hardy, Graptopetalum paraguayense (Ghost Plant) is a small evergreen succulent forming 4 in. wide rosettes (10cm) of fleshy, pointed, flat, grayish white, opalescent leaves. The foliage turns pinkish-yellow in hot, dry conditions and turns blue-gray in partial shade. The small rosettes grow at the tips of ever-lengthening stems, that become pendant over time and cascade beautifully. In spring, it produces dainty sprays of star-shaped yellow flowers. Vigorous, Ghost Plant offsets readily and will eventually create a low spreading colony. A very attractive plant for groundcovers, in hanging baskets, containers or for spilling over walls.

With leaves resembling jelly beans, award-winner Sedum x rubrotinctum is a low growing, evergreen perennial with chubby leaves, about 1 in. long (2.5 cm), which spiral around the stem. Red at the tips with exposure to heat or cold, the leaves turn almost entirely red in summer before changing back to bright green in winter. The sprawling stems root readily where they contact the soil. Abundant bright yellow star-shaped flowers appear in winter and early spring. A tender perennial that can survive an occasional freeze, this Sedum is a great companion plant to other succulents and is a wonderful choice for the rock or succulent garden or in a decorative container or hanging basket.

Incredibly beautiful and majestic, Agave americana (Century Plant) is a very large, evergreen perennial forming handsome rosettes of thick, spiny-edged, blue-green leaves, up to 6 ft. long (180 cm). The older leaves often gracefully arch down, suggesting motion, which makes the garden even more intriguing. Mature plants (at least 10 years old) are topped with a magnificent flower stalk that can reach 15 ft. (4m50), and bears large greenish-yellow flowers. This desert plant makes a dramatic focal point or accent and can be used in decorative pots away from foot traffic.

More frost-hardy than most Aloes, Aloe striata (Coral Aloe) is an evergreen succulent perennial forming beautiful rosettes of flat broad leaves. Pale gray-green, the fleshy leaves turn pink in full sun or take on blue-gray hues in the shade. Toothless, the leaves exhibit subtle narrow stripes along their length and transparent pinkish red margins. In late winter into early spring, clusters of brilliant coral flowers are borne 2ft. (60 cm) above the foliage on tall candelabra stems, brightening up the dull winter garden. Up to three branched inflorescences can arise from a single rosette. Offsets will slowly appear around the base and form a small colony.

Ideal for small gardens, Phormium 'Amazing Red' is a compact variety of New Zealand Flax with upright, narrow, sword-like, dark reddish-brown leaves. Robust, this evergreen perennial is topped in summer with a dramatic flowering stalk bearing panicles of tubular, red flowers which attract nectar-seeking birds. Native to New Zealand, this Phormium is primarily grown for its attractive foliage and makes a stunning focal point in the garden, specifically when combined with and amongst brightly colored plants. Ideal for containers or massed in beds to create a dramatic textural effect!

Native to the coastal plains of South Africa, Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet) is a slowly spreading evergreen perennial forming a dense silvery-green mat over time and choking out virtually all weeds. Growing no more than 1-3 in. tall (2-7 cm), its tiny and narrow, gray-green leaves curl slightly, exposing the white underside of the leaves and conferring a variegated look. Small yellow daisy flowers appear nestled amongst the foliage in summer. This hardy little plant tolerates foot traffic, making it a great choice for filling in around pavers in a garden walkway or replacing the lawn.