Our succulents love dry, semi-arid or temperate conditions, and feature a range of impressive shapes and colours. Many of the plants in this section come from the Americas and Africa.
This collection includes Aloe, Agave, Euphorbia, Mesembryanthemum, Crassula, Euphorbia, Yucca, Sedum, Kalanchoe and Echeveria species.
One of the most spectacular plants in this area is the Dragon Blood Tree (Dracaena draco). It produces a red resin when wounded, which has been used since ancient times in medicine, dyes, varnish and incense.
Succulents have shallow roots that let them collect small amounts of rain. They adapt to their naturally dry conditions by storing water in their leaves, stems or roots. They also protect themselves with spines and thorns, or waxy or woody coverings to reflect sunlight and reduce water loss.
Work on this collection began in 1982, and was finished in 1986. This garden is positioned on a built-up mound with sandy soil, to allow good drainage. Large boulders have also been added to form rocky outcrops and slopes.
The best time to visit the Succulent Collection is in June and July when the Agave and Aloe plants produce amazing flower spikes. In spring, a carpet of mesembryanthemum flowers beneath the Dragon Blood trees also makes a beautiful display.
Location
The Succulent Collection is west of the Discovery Centre.
Map reference M-9 on our Garden Map PDF, 76 KB