Showy Succulents for Warm Climates

Aeonium 'Zwartkop' A plant collector's delight, the deep-purple, near-black rosettes of 'Zwartkop' are quite stunning in the garden. There are few options in the plant world that offer this color and unique texture, so use it as a specimen or plant in masses for maximum effect. 'Zwartkop' contrasts nicely with the blue-gray colors and textures of blue fescue (Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue') and blue lyme grass (Elymus arenarius). Combine it with low-growing golden creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'), which will be nice when 'Zwartkop' produces its bright yellow summer flowers. Or, plant with other similar colors to create a chocolate-flavored garden: Use with caramel-colored carex (Carex flagellifera 'Toffee Twist'), New Zealand flax (Phormium), burgundy-leaved pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy') and Pennisetum 'Prince' or 'Princess.' Plant 'Zwartkop' in full sun to dappled shade as the sunlight helps to retain the rich color. However, in climates with extreme heat, plant it in a bit more shade. It grows best in a well-draining soil with deep, infrequent waterings. It has a clumping growth habit and reaches two to three feet tall. Drought tolerant. Hardy to USDA Zones 9 to 11.

Red kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos). Certainly a conversation piece for the garden, this Australian native has clusters of fuzzy, scarlet-red flower buds resembling animal claws that open to delicate flowers in summer. Kangaroo paws form clumps of evergreen, strap-like basal foliage, and plants can reach up to six feet tall and half as wide. Because its tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, plant kangaroo paws in a wildlife-friendly garden. It's also great for a cutting garden. Plant kangaroo paws in full sun and a well-draining to sandy soil. Water deeply but infrequently. Yellow-flowering and bicolor cultivars are available. Drought tolerant. Hardy to USDA Zones 9 to 11.

Sticks on fire (Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire'). The glowing reddish-orange, pencil-thin stems of this euphorbia are sure to stop you cold, or hot, in your tracks. Use it in a Xeriscape or plant as a specimen in a container planting or perennial border. Plants reach up to four to six feet tall and half as wide. Plant sticks on fire in a well-draining soil in a sunny location. In colder climates, bring this plant indoors and grow as a houseplant during the winter months, but be sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets. Note: As with all euphorbias, it produces a milky sap that can be caustic to skin, so handle plants with care and perhaps some gloves. Drought tolerant. Hardy to USDA Zones 9 to 11.

Creeping devil cactus (Stenocereus eruca). This unusual groundcover cactus grows prostrate instead of upright. Covered in rigid spines, it's a house thief's worst nightmare. As it creeps along the ground, older portions of the plant die out. Creeping devil prefers a sandy soil with infrequent waterings. This plant may be hard to find through mail order. Very drought and heat tolerant. Hardy to USDA Zones 9 to 11.