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. Attractive when not blooming, this Kalanchoe is particularly striking in late winter to early spring when a 2-3 ft. stem (60-90 cm), arises from its center, bearing clusters of pale yellow tubular flowers.

A magnificent Japanese selection, Agave 'Kissho Kan' is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a perfectly symmetrical rosette of thick, rigid, soft silver-blue to blue-green leaves. The foliage is adorned with creamy white toothed margins and leaf spines, which emerge yellow, change to pale brown before turning dark reddish-brown. Quite compact, ‘Kissho Kan’ is a terrific addition to pots or containers. Mature plants produce offshoots that can be rooted and propagated easily.

Incredibly beautiful, Leucospermum 'Scarlet Ribbon' (Pincushion) is a compact, rounded, evergreen shrub with large, salmon pink flower clusters resembling pincushions and purplish-red stripings resembling bright red ribbons. Borne at the end of each branch, they are produced in such abundance that they cover the plant from late spring to midsummer. The vibrant green foliage is tough and leathery, and spirally arranged on the stems. 'Scarlet Ribbon' is a charming hybrid which results from a cross between Leucospermum glabrum and Leucospermum tottum. It tolerates a wider range of soils and is slightly more frost tolerant than most pincushions. Perfect as a focal point in the landscape or in decorative containers. The flowers are long-lasting and great for cutting, so they make a unique, exotic addition to flower arrangements.

Unique with its fan-like leaf arrangement, Aloe plicatilis (Fan Aloe) forms a remarkable shrub or small tree. At the end of branched stems, the fleshy, strap-shaped, round-tipped, blue-gray leaves, about 1 ft. long (30 cm), are stacked in pairs and are reminiscent of fans. Often the leaf tips display orange shades, adding further charm to the plant. Rather than clinging to the stems, the old leaves fall to the ground, exposing the attractive smooth gray trunk and branches. Many Fan Aloes remain shrub-like with sinuous branching patterns. Spikes of vermilion tubular flowers rise out of each leaf cluster on tall, solitary stems from late winter to spring.

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.

Adding drama to the garden year-round, Yucca gloriosa 'Bright Star' (Spanish Dagger) is a very ornamental, slow-growing evergreen shrub featuring a basal rosette of broad, stiff, sword-shaped, green leaves adorned with bright ivory edges. Gracefully curving downward, the leaves boast a sharp terminal spine. Cool weather or water stress will bring out pink shades in young plants, creating a tricolor effect. This Yucca is topped in mid to late summer with a dramatic flowering stalk reaching 3 ft. (90 cm) and bearing dense panicles of nodding bell-shaped white flowers opening from pink buds.