. Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) Narrow, waxy stems, with an upright growth habit, add another dimension to the landscape. Rather than spreading outward close to the ground, new stems are produced along the outer part of the plant, gradually increasing its width while still growing upright. Tiny pale pink flowers bloom along the upper half of the stems in spring. Small leaves may appear and are soon shed. Create a visually appealing design by planting candelilla in staggered rows. Origin: New Mexico, southwestern Texas and Mexico Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8) Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full, reflected sun Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide See how to grow candelilla
Rock Purslane (Calandrinia spectabilis) Gray-green leaves form a dense mound that is transformed by the appearance of magenta flowers spring through fall. The flowers are about 2 inches wide and last one day, with new ones ready to take their place the following day. For an eye-catching combination, pair rock purslane with pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata), a succulent that produces orange flowers. Rock purslane does best in Mediterranean climates but is suitable as a container plant and can be treated as an annual in colder climates. Origin: Chile Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 9; find your zone) Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full sun or filtered shade Mature size: 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide; about 3 feet tall when in flower
Parry’s Agave(Agave parryi)Small- to medium-size agave species are unconventional ground cover choices that are becoming more popular. For example, Parry’s agave, with its very attractive rosette pattern, makes a wonderful water-wise ground cover. Use it next to boulders for great texture contrast. This plant and other smaller agave species work well in arid climates, including low-desert climates, since they can handle the full sun and intense summer heat that may cause succulents better suited for mild Mediterranean climates to struggle.In this photo, A. parryi var. truncata grows among larger species of agave.Origin: American Southwest and MexicoWhere it will grow: Hardy to minus 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 23.3 to 6.7 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 9, depending on variety)Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full sun or filtered shadeMature size: 1 foot to 3 feet tall and wideSee how to grow Parry’s agave...
potted foxtail agave (Agave attenuata, zones 9 to 11), thrives in partial shade and fills in rapidly to cover vertical surfaces with tendrils that feature dime-sized leaves.
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