Sedums and Succulents: Unique Topiary Projects

Succulents and sedums are members of a group of plants that can thrive in almost any condition. They love sun, tolerate drought, and offer a variety of colors, shapes, textures to add drama to a garden or in pots. Few people would consider these as plants to use to create unique topiary projects.

Topiary is, by definition, simply locating or trimming plants in such a way that a specific shape is suggested. You may think of these creations as traditional ivy growing over a wire frame or carefully trimmed shrubs. Why limit topiaries to these restrictions when you can explore all sorts of unique ideas?

First, we need to understand what succulents and sedums require to thrive. They are so easy to care for; even a person who says they have a brown thumb can enjoy success with these species of hardy plants. Burrows tail, stone plant, giant rose, pork and beans plant, string of pearls are only a few of the common names of sedums and succulents that you may recognize.

Sedums are also known as stonecrops, in part because they are often found in the wild growing in outcroppings of stone or rock where little soil is available or growing in a niche in a cliff or rock wall where a bit of soil as collected. By their very name suggests, they are perfect for rock gardens.

Both sedums and succulents share the ability to store moisture in their leaves and stems. This gives their leaves the fleshy appearance. Many species are structured in a fountain or circular growth pattern to trap trace moisture during droughts.

While succulents and sedums include huge plants and small and some have attractive blooms, a topiary project should focus on the smaller, delicate species of sedums and succulents. Beautiful plantings in creative containers can be designed using the wide range to textures, leaf shapes, and colors found in these easy-to-grow plants

The Key To Sucess .

The key to success in designing a gorgeous topiary design with succulents and sedums is the container selected. Frequently, these [plants] are grouped into desert-like miniature landscapes in large, round, terra cotta pot saucers. If you think outside the box a bit, you have many other options.

One idea for a unique topiary project of sedums and succulents is to choose a basket with a handle. Place some sphagnum moss in the bottom and on the inner sides of the basket. Add cactus potting mix and place your collection of plants into the basket.

Take this idea one step further and cover the exterior of a rough-edged vine basket by attaching the moss with florists pins strategically placed. You’ll want a thick covering of moss to create this type of topiary. Tuck pockets of cactus potting mix into pockets formed in the sphagnum moss and place your selected sedums and succulents into these pockets. Add more moss as needed and additional florist pins.

You’ll become the envy of all your friends when they see your unique topiary ideas. Unlike topiary specimens that require continual trimming, topiary projects like the basket above require very little maintenance except watering once or twice per week and fertilizer annually.

You can create bold tapestries in larger pots by mixing various sedums and succulents whose leaf sizes and colors provide pleasing contrasts. Simple combinations are often the most effective.
For a finished look, choose a pot that echoes the succulents' colors. A pink or yellow pot, for example, provides a softly elegant setting for an aeonium with green-and-cream striped leaves edged in rose (such as A. decorum 'Sunburst'). White-glazed pots add a light, summery look to white-variegated agaves, such as striped A. americana 'Striata', which stays much smaller than its pot-breaking cousins; A. parviflora, which has curly white threads; or short-leafed A. victoriae-reginae. Set potted succulents in entryways and sitting areas where their tidy geometry can be enjoyed up close.
Caring for succulents
Certain stonecrops and sempervivums tolerate bitter cold, but most succulents need frost protection. In cold climates, grow them in pots and move them to a greenhouse or other protected spot during winter. Full sun is fine for most agaves and aloes, but aeoniums and echeverias prefer partial shade, especially in hot inland areas.
If temperatures in your area seldom dip below 30° or exceed 100°, you can grow succulents effortlessly on a bright patio or in dappled sun, in soil that drains well. Indoors, set them near a sunny window and provide good air circulation.
Once established, succulents seldom need pruning or thinning. Fertilize them lightly in spring, clip spent blooms, and give them just enough water to keep their leaves plump.

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