Hedges can serve many roles in the landscape. Typically, they´re used as barriers along property lines and along driveways and the like. When it comes to choosing plants for hedges, don´t neglect the cacti and succulents.

In colder climates, the number of winter-hardy succulents is more limited than elsewhere. For succulent lovers, the solution is to grow them as bedding plants.

If you´re familiar with the ice plants (Delosperma spp.), chances are you´ll have no problem recognizing the Hottentot-fig as a relative. These plants are members of the same family, Aizoaceae.

Plants with a tropical look continue to be very popular. These lush species add an exotic look to indoor and outdoor landscapes. When it comes to choosing tropicals, you won´t go wrong with the African milk-tree.

For the most part, cacti and succulents are carefree plants. Given the right growing conditions, they will rarely suffer from serious insect and disease problems. However, as with most plants there are exceptions.

There are many places we can see and learn about plants. For cacti and succulents, gardeners can visit many world-class botanical gardens and arboreta.

Of all the succulents, hoya remains one of the most popular. Some folks who wouldn´t dream of growing other succulents are crazy about this plant.

When it comes to succulent perennials, things don´t get any better than the John Creech Sedum. Among the finest ground covers, this spreading succulent is only a couple inches in height with a spread of about a foot.

Though it is common knowledge that prickly pear fruits are edible, some of the other species that bear edible ones aren´t as widely recognized.

Though this plant also goes by the name two-row stonecrop, that doesn´t sound half as exciting as the name Voodoo (Sedum spurium ´Voodoo´).