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A Simple and Low-Care Mediterranean Border

Plant Combinations, Spring Borders, Summer Borders, Fall Borders, Winter Borders

Garden ideas, Mediterranean garden, Desert garden, Water wise garden, Low maintenance garden, Dioon spinulosum, Dyckia Burgundy Ice, agave ovatifolia, Aloe nobilis, Parkinsonia praecox, Cycad, Palo Verde

In this water-wise border, the ravishing blue-gray rosettes of Agave ovatifolia (Whale’s Tongue Agave) are interplanted with the smaller bright green rosettes of Aloe nobilis (Golden Toothed Aloe). Studded with white teeth, the triangular leaves of this aloe turn orange shades when exposed to full sun, creating a changing display. For contrast, a carpet of Dyckia ‘Burgundy Ice’ has been laid in a geometric fashion. This succulent features rosettes of gracefully curving, burgundy leaves adorned with brilliant white spines.

In the background, the spectacular blue-green rosettes of Dioon spinulosum (Giant Dioon) add grace and elegance to the landscape. Long-lived (several hundred years), Giant Dioon is one of the oldest plants still living on the planet since it flourished over 170 million years ago. Slow to moderately fast-growing, it is easy to grow and is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens where its lush foliage adds a tropical touch.

All these plants are low-care, drought tolerant, and they look great year-round.

Garden Information

Hardiness 9 - 11
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden

Plants In This Garden

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Aloe Agave
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Dioon edule (Chestnut Dioon)
Aloe ‘Blue Elf’
Agave parryi var. truncata (Artichoke Agave)
Fouquieria splendens (Ocotillo)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Garden Information

Hardiness 9 - 11
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Aloe Agave
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Arizona
Get Garden Design Ideas
Search Gardens

Similar Garden Ideas

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Dioon spinulosum (Giant Dioon) N/A Buy Plants
Dyckia 'Burgundy Ice' N/A Buy Plants
Agave ovatifolia (Whale's Tongue Agave) N/A Buy Plants
Aloe nobilis (Golden Toothed Aloe) N/A Buy Plants

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