A Terrific Mediterranean Garden with Color and Texture

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

Garden Ideas, Landscaping Ideas, succulent garden, Mediterranean garden, drought tolerant plant, Linda Besler, Senecio mandraliscae, Senecio talinodes, Agave attenuata, Aeonium Sunburst,Aeonium ‘Zwarktop', Aloe nobilis, Aloe vera, Euphorbia Sticks on Fire, Crassula ‘Campfire’,Callistemon citrons ‘Little John’?

Planted in undulating ribbons for visual interest, this spectacular garden is a beautiful marriage of colors, shapes and textures for a long-lasting impact. Created by Linda Bresler, owner of Living Designs by Linda, it won the 2012 Grand Prize organized by San Diego Home & Garden and was voted Garden of the Year. No wonder it won this prestigious prize. This garden is a spectacular tapestry that weaves together succulents and other drought-tolerant plants. It is great-looking all year around, even when the plants are not in bloom, since the focus was laid on foliage – and blooms were regarded as a bonus.

A curved pathway with asymmetrical pavers winds through the garden, flanked by green ‘Elfin’ thyme. On each side are curved beds where bold plants like dark Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ or luminous Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’ (Fire Sticks) draw attention. They are emphasized throughout the garden, often clustered for impact.

Contrasting with the green foliage of Aloe barbadensis (Barbados Aloe), Aloe nobilis (Golden Toothed Aloe) or the silvery-green rosettes of Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave), the garden beds are sparkling with bright red Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant), crimson-tipped Echeverias, scarlet dwarf Callistemon viminalis ‘Little John’ (Bottlebrush) and sunny Aeonium ‘Sunburnt’.

They are underplanted with rivers of cool Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalk Stick), hot-colored Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’, or brilliant Sedum × rubrotinctum (Stonecrop), which flow through and around the beds.

A relatively easy to maintain and waterwise garden.

Garden Information

Hardiness	10 - 11
Climate Zones	21, 22, 23, 24
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	Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Well-Drained
Characteristics	Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance	Drought
Attracts	Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden

Plants In This Garden

Aeonium 'Sunburst'

Among the loveliest of Aeoniums, award-winning ‘Sunburst’ is an evergreen succulent with large variegated rosettes, 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm), of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves. Held on long bare stems, the leaves are a delightful combination of creamy yellow and green stripes and are adorned with coppery red tips when exposed to the sun.

Hardiness	9 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Aeonium 'Zwartkop'

A truly captivating Aeonium, award-winning ‘Zwartkop’ is an evergreen succulent with large rosettes, 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm), of glossy, fleshy, dark burgundy, pointed leaves. If grown in full sun, the foliage of this Aeonium turns almost black, adding incredible drama and interest to the garden or containers.

Hardiness	9 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire' (Pencil Cactus)

Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’, also known as the Pencil Cactus, is a striking succulent with slender, coral-like branches that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, especially in cooler temperatures. It thrives in bright sunlight and is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for low-water gardens and xeriscaping.

Hardiness	9 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spread	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)

Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks)

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.

Hardiness	9 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Crassula capitella 'Campfire'

Eye-catching, Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ is a branching succulent with densely stacked, propeller-like, pale green leaves that change to brilliant scarlet in bright light. The color is brightest in winter in response to cool nights and bright sunlight. Low-growing, this plant spreads by runners to form a colorful mat. It can be used as a small scale groundcover.

Hardiness	9 - 12
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6" (15cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave)

Unlike many Agaves, Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave) is an evergreen succulent perennial which produces a handsome rosette of silvery, pale green leaves, up to 4 ft. wide (120 cm), without teeth or terminal spines. Borne on a thick stem which can reach 4 ft. (120 cm), the rosette is composed of flexible leaves which gracefully arch back, resembling an open flower.

Hardiness	9 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant)

Among the most dramatic succulent plants, award-winning Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant) is an impressive evergreen succulent with a basal rosette of thick, fleshy, rounded leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm) and 6-8 in. wide (15-20 cm). Resembling clamshells, the jade green leaves are adorned with vibrant red-wine tips during the cooler winter months if grown in bright light.

Hardiness	9 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Sedum x rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum x rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant, features chubby, jelly bean-shaped leaves that transition from green to red under sun stress. This easy-to-grow succulent is perfect for hanging baskets and ground covers, thriving in bright light and requiring minimal water. Ideal for adding a splash of color.

Hardiness	9 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm)
Spread	10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)

Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick'

Extraordinarily eye-catching, Echeveria agavoides ‘Lipstick’ is a small evergreen succulent forming crisp rosettes of fleshy, sharp-pointed, bright green leaves adorned with vibrant crimson margins. Reminiscent of an Agave, each leaf is tipped with a small spine (hence the name).

Hardiness	9 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6" (15cm)
Spread	8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm)

Aloe nobilis (Golden Toothed Aloe)

Vigorous, Aloe nobilis (Golden Toothed Aloe) is an evergreen succulent perennial forming a carpet of decorative rosettes, 12in. wide (30 cm), with broadly triangular, fleshy leaves. Bright green in light shade, the leaves turn amazingly orange when in full sun, creating a very pretty display.

Hardiness	9 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm)
Spread	1' (30cm)

Aloe vera (Barbados Aloe)

Well-known for the medicinal value of the juice of its leaves, Aloe vera (Barbados Aloe) is an evergreen succulent perennial forming clumps of rosettes of long, fleshy, narrow, light green leaves with whitish to reddish toothed margins. The leaves turn reddish purple when the plant is under drought stress. I

Hardiness	10 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Senecio vitalis (Narrow-Leaf Chalksticks)

Senecio vitalis (Narrow-Leaf Chalksticks) is a spreading evergreen succulent of great ornamental appeal with its cylindrical gray-green foliage. Its slender, slightly upcurved leaves, 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm), are glaucous-gray, finger-like. They encircle the trailing stems and form handsome tufts at the stem tips. Erect at first, the stems become procumbent and often root at the nodes as they touch the ground. Small creamy-white flowers held in corymbs rise just above the foliage in late spring to early summer.

Hardiness	10 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' (Bottlebrush)

A dwarf Bottlebrush variety, Callistemon ‘Little John’ is a beautiful, dense, evergreen shrub grown for its dazzling blood-red flowers and evergreen foliage of narrow, blue-green leaves. Blooming throughout most of the year, the elongated flower spikes of this Australian native are surrounded by long, bristlelike stamens, giving them the look of bottlebrushes

Hardiness	8 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' (90cm)
Spread	5' (150cm)

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Macrantha'

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ is an evergreen, succulent shrub with fleshy, rounded, paddle-shaped, green leaves adorned with a thin red-wine line around their edges. Attractive when not blooming, Cotyledon orbiculata is particularly striking in late winter to early spring when a 2 ft. stem (60 cm), arises from its center, bearing clusters of showy, coral-red, bell-shaped flowers.

Hardiness	9 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

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Kalanchoe Crassula Echeveria Euphorbia (Spurge) Agave Aloe Sedum (Stonecrop) Senecio Aeonium

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Alternative Plants to Consider

Aeonium canariense (Canary Island Aeonium)

Echeveria agavoides ‘Ebony’

Crassula ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’ (Jade Plant)

Aloe polyphylla (Spiral Aloe)

Sedum nussbaumerianum (Stonecrop)

Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet)

Photo courtesy: GardenEnvy

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.