Succulents are a diverse group of striking, drought-tolerant plants perfect for NZ gardens and indoor spaces. Their colourful leaves, sculptural forms, and minimal requirements make them favourites for gardeners of all skill levels. Discover what makes succulents special, the best varieties to grow, and how to keep them thriving season after season.
Agave americana variegata, commonly known as the Variegated Century Plant, is a large succulent that features broad, powder-blue leaves with yellow...
Agave attenuata (Foxtail Agave) is a highly ornamental succulent known for its smooth, spineless leaves and graceful rosettes. Unlike many agaves, it...
Agave 'Ray of Light' is an excellent selection of the commonly known, Fox Tail Agave. This plant features rosettes of broad, pale green leaves with a...
Agave tequilana (Tequila Agave) is a bold and dramatic succulent best known as the source of tequila production in Mexico. It features striking...
Aloe hereroensis (Sand Aloe) is a striking succulent valued for its broad pale blue green leaves marked with subtle white striping and its...
Aloe vera is a well known succulent valued for both its ornamental appeal and soothing gel. It forms clumps of fleshy, pale green leaves with soft...
Crassula arborescens, commonly known as the Silver Jade Plant or Silver Dollar Jade, is a succulent grown for its interesting and colourful foliage...
Echeveria Set Oliver is a succulent that forms a rosette of furry green leaves edged with red. As conditions cool or the plant becomes moisture...
Echeveria 'Violet Queen' is a stunning evergreen succulent admired for its elegant violet tinged blue green rosettes that provide year round...
Graptopetalum paraguayense, commonly known as the Ghost Plant, is a succulent grown for its impressive foliage. It produces, flat rosettes of...
Haworthia attenuata, commonly known as the Zebra Haworthia, is a small succulent that features rosettes of thick and fleshy leaves. The dark green...
Mangave Pineapple Express is an impressive succulent that features a rosette of thick, dark green-grey leaves. They are leathery and radiate outwards...
“Crimson Glory” is a variety of the commonly known, Iceplant, and is an herbaceous perennial grown for its spreading nature and pretty flowers. It...
“Pink Ice” is a variety of the commonly known, Iceplant, and is an herbaceous perennial grown for its spreading nature and pretty flowers. It bears...
“Purple Splendour” is a variety of the commonly known, Iceplant, and is an herbaceous perennial grown for its spreading nature and pretty flowers. It...
Sedum 'Gold Mound' is grown for its colourful foliage and creeping growth habit. It forms a carpet of small, succulent, golden leaves. These are held...
Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...
Sempervivum calcareum, commonly known as the Houseleek Sempervivum, is a smaller succulent grown for its foliage. It grows as a mat of fleshy...
Sempervivum tectorum, commonly known as Common Houseleek, grows as a mat of fleshy rosettes with leaves that are typically green with red-pink tips...
Senecio serpens, commonly known as Blue Chalksticks, is a succulent grown for its foliage and creeping growth habit. It forms a carpet of pointed...
Succulents have surged in popularity across New Zealand, and for good reason. These hardy plants are renowned for their water-storing leaves and resilient nature, making them a perfect choice for busy gardeners or beginners alike. Succulents add architectural flair to any outdoor or indoor space and require very little maintenance compared to many other plant types. Their variety in shapes, textures, and colours adds visual interest wherever they're planted.
For home gardeners looking for playful foliage, the Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) offers clusters of vibrant jelly bean-like leaves. This makes it an excellent candidate for containers, rockeries, or as low-growing ground cover.
Popular succulents for NZ gardens include Aloe, Agave, and Sedum. For those interested in health and wellness, Aloe vera is a classic succulent prized for its soothing gel and attractive, fleshy leaves. Meanwhile, architectural Agaves and colourful groundcovers like Sedum bring both strength and visual intrigue to landscaping.
While succulents prefer well-drained soil and bright light, they can thrive in surprisingly varied conditions. Regular, light watering during the growing season and drier winters mimic their natural habitats. If you are keen to learn more about Aloe care specifically, our Aloe vera guide provides expert tips for robust, healthy plants.
Succulents make fantastic companions for contemporary, coastal, or Mediterranean garden designs. They work beautifully in pots, living walls, or mixed with gravel and sculptural stones for a modern look. For more inspiration, explore our garden design ideas for ways to combine succulents with other plant types for all-year interest and colour.
Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.
