Garden tip: Succulents add beauty and color to gardens

Are you interested in growing succulents in your garden, in pots on your patio or as houseplants? Succulents have become popular with gardeners because of their easy care requirements.

Botanists define succulents as a broad category of plants (including cacti) with thick, fleshy stems or leaves. Their ability to store water allows them to survive drought conditions. There are many different species to choose from. Some of the most common and easy-to-grow succulents are the jade plant (Crassula ovata), stonecrop (Sedum), hens and chicks (Sempervivum) and Echeveria.

One of my favorites is Aeonium ‘Zwartkop,’ sometimes called black rose for its purple-black rosette of leaves. You can check the websites of Sunset Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, and Fine Gardening for lists of their top 10 succulents. With their many colors and structures, you’ll be able to make unique and beautiful combinations of succulents for your garden or home.

— Katie Martin, UC Marin master gardener