Succulent Color

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When we discuss succulents, we often paint them with a broad brush. We think about shades of green, gray and blue, along with an occasional stripe of pink or maroon tingeing their edges. We forget that seasonal temperatures play a role in the intensity of their colors, especially in the winter.

This spring I'm enjoying the effect that our cooler wetter winter weather had on the potted collection of succulents on my patio. The photographs below don't do justice to the vivid accent colors now on display.

Frankly, I must admit that I used to think succulents needed heat and dry soil to morph from simple greens to vibrant oranges, brilliant reds and deep blues. Not so. Since succulents prefer temperatures in the 70s, extremes in both hot and cold can intensify their color palette.

I'm pleased to say that this year the sunshine yellow daffodils are not the only March performers strutting their stuff in my backyard. They were upstaged by pots full of spectacular succulent color.

photos by Launa Herrmann