#23) Pachyphytum hookeri

I was attracted to this plants beautiful coloring of icy, muted blue, and hints of green toward the center, and pink toward the tips. It loves partial shade and well-draining soil, where it can spread slowly by forming offset rosettes. It's very low growing (4-6" tall), and could look great in a 2-3' wide mature cluster, or in smaller groupings, tucked into a rocky retaining wall. As seen in my 'Parade of Shade' palette, it is very similar in color to Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem,' and if placed in front, it could create an interesting mono-tonal effect. Its fleshy, succulent leaves would also complement the needle-like leaves of the Podocarpus. And, I'm a sucker for blending woodsy looking plants with desert plants, so this is combination is right up my alley.

Pachyphytum hookeri is part of a plant palette called 'Parade of Shade.' Click on label/tag to see complete palette.

Details:
Biological Name: Pachyphytum hookeri
Common Name: Hooker's Pachyphytum
Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Mexico
Exposure: Partial shade to full sun
Irrigation: Waterwise
Flower Time: Spring
Height: 4-6”
Width: 4-6”

#21) Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem'

I was attracted to Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem' for its minty blue color, fine texture and woodsy feel. It likes partial shade, spreads low to the ground, and is slow growing. Also, in the spring, new shoots emerge nearly red, adding additional seasonal interest.

In the same vein of mixing woodsy plants with succulents, (D) Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem' could go nicely with (A) Picea pungens 'Globosa', (B) Opuntia basilaris hyb. 'Baby Rita', and (C) Sedum telephium 'Purple Emperor'.

Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem' is part of a plant palette called 'Parade of Shade.' Click on label/tag to see complete palette.

Details:
Biological Name: Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem'
Common Name: Blue Gem Alpine Plum Yew
Family: Podocarpaceae
Origin: Australia
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Irrigation: Regular water
Flower Time: Inconspicuous
Height: 1’
Width: 3’

#11) Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'

Earlier this year, I saw a landscape design that made me see Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar in a new way. The installation is at Darien and San Benito in San Francisco. Within an angular planting bed (adjacent to lawn), they placed this specimen plant in between low-growing Aloe polyphylla (top image, left) and Agave attenuata 'Ray of Light' (bottom image, right), showing off its unique form.

It fits an interesting use case, where you would want something showy and sculptural, yet low and wide, such as outside a window. Here, it's used in a modern context, with equally as interesting plant forms. What I find particularly interesting is the pairing of this woodsy plant with succulents – who would have thought! But, it really works.

Details:
Biological Name: Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'
Common Name: Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar
Family: Pinaceae
Origin: [unknown]
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Low Water Needs
Flower Time: Does not bloom
Height: 15-20’, slow growing
Width: 15-20’, slow growing

If anyone knows the origin of this plant, or the landscape designer, please let me know. Thanks!