Design with Succulents: Bold Combinations for Low-Water Beds

Create lush, dramatic succulent beds by combining two or three large specimens with masses of smaller ones—too many varieties looks disorganized.

Hedge: A Living Fence

For a maintenance-free, mild-climate hedge, intersperse jade plant (Crassula ovata), smooth-leafed Agave attenuata, and elephant's food (Portulacaria afra). Green year-round, minimal water, intriguing texture.

Accents: Large Specimens as Focal Points

Use aeoniums, agaves, crassulas, echeverias, kalanchoes, and portulacarias as accents among lower growers.

Tuck-Ins: Small-Scale Patterns

Plant smaller echeverias, ice plants, sedums, and senecios between stepping stones or in patterned pockets.

Color Contrasts: Drama Through Hue

Blue senecio (S. mandraliscae) cools the near-black rosettes of Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' or the coral-red of Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire'.