This public garden is full of rare and unique succulents and drought-tolerant plants perfect for Northern California
A sojourn to the Ruth Bancroft Gardens in Walnut Creek is peculiarly rewarding in late wintertime and early bounce . While most of our own landscapes are still looking drab , this world - famous garden , which house an extraordinarily various assemblage of succulent along with drouth - tolerant plants from around the humans , positively shines with an array of fabulous textures , colors , delicious plant combinations , and magnificent blooms everywhere you look . I was astonied to count over thirty different plant in full , dramatic flower during a late sojourn ! With greeter to receive you , a wonderful self - guiding tour book , and a number of knowledgeable docents throughout the nursery quick to share any horticultural or historical information you could need , you will sincerely relish your visit . Additionally , there ’s a well - stocked garden center for you to graze after your tour , featuring many of the drought - tolerant plants plant in the garden itself . What better way to start up or add to your own succulent aggregation ?
Why this garden is so unique
In the fifties , Ruth Bancroft ’s infatuation with succulent set out with one comparatively unassuming aeonium loanblend called ‘ Glenn Davidson’—a descendent of which can still be found turn in the garden . Her passion and her collection grew to 1000 of specimens , and what began as a private collection of potted succulents in her garden at Bancroft Farm before long demand more space . In 1972 , her garden moved to its current 3.5 - acre location , and with expert service it was developed into the attractively design landscape full of glorious drought - large-minded plants that it is today . In 1989 , Ruth Bancroft Gardens became the first garden in the United States to be conserve by the Garden Conservancy , and it has been unresolved to the public since 1992 . Mrs. Bancroft continued to garden until well into her 90s , and though she travel by away in 2017 at the eld of 109 , her beautiful legacy continues to grow , flourish , and pleasure gardeners to this day .
Below I ’ll deal with you some of the most stunning succulent I saw at the garden and tips for how to grow them . Keep in mind that all of these succulents are fairly tender and should be protect if temperatures dip under 25 ° F .
‘Glenn Davidson’ aeonium
Aeonium‘Glenn Davidson ’ , Zones 9–11
This low grower is a descendant of the very first succulent that sparked Ruth Bancroft ’s obsession , and for that reason alone , this plant is deserving a sojourn . Its beautiful , apple - light-green rosette of spoon - shaped farewell turn 12 to 16 in wide and crown out at 16 inch tall . This genus Aeonium does good in good afternoon shade and plant in well - drained soil . Water sparingly .
Candelabra aloe
Aloe arborescens , Zones 9–11
contact 8 to 9 foot grandiloquent in ideal condition and spread out slowly , shrubby candelabrum aloe is stunning in bloom ! Grow this South African native in full sun to partial tincture and in well - drained soil . It is drought patient of , so supplemental irrigation is unnecessary .
African rosemary
Eriocephalus africanus , zona 9–11
This drought - broad South African shrub grows 3 ft tall and wide and features purple - eyed white blooms from wintertime to summertime that report its aromatic , fine - cut foliage . Fluffy seed heads observe the flower , total to the plant ’s twelvemonth - round interest . Grow it in full sun and well - drained soil .
Tongue-leaf plant
Glottiyphyllum linguiforme , Zones 9–11
This low - rise South African native lento forge a wet mat of fleshy , tonguelike green leave and is covered with bright yellow flush in wintertime . Seed head come and are cleverly conform to open only if it rains , allowing the come to hit the ground and get sufficiently watered to germinate all at once . This succulent prefer sun to partial tone and well - drain soil .
For more information on the Ruth Bancroft Gardens and Nursery , check out the website .
— Fionuala Campion is the possessor and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma , California .
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Colorful succulents bloom all year at this drought-tolerant garden.Photo: Fionuala Campion
Many of the unique plants featured in the public garden are available for sale in a small garden center on the premises.Photo: Fionuala Campion
The garden is still propagating offshoots that trace back to the first ‘Glenn Davidson’ aeonium added to the garden 70 years ago.Photo: Fionuala Campion
Candelabra aloe has stunning, bright red flowers that tower above a rosette of foliage.Photo: Fionuala Campion
African rosemary has a large, shrubby habit with fragrant foliage and tiny white flowers.Photo: Fionuala Campion
This ground-cover succulent has dandelion-yellow flowers and beautiful, intricate seed heads that look like they’ve been carved out of wood.Photo: Fionuala Campion
