This curious Mexican succulent makes an ideal hanging basket specimen for a hot, sunny balcony. It will thrive on neglect, even if you go on holidays or forget to water it for weeks at a time. Hanging baskets of Donkey’s Tails, each with a cover like a Chinese hat, are a feature of the spectacular garden known as Lotusland at Santa Barbara in California. The plants are hanging under a large spreading tree and look like big jellyfish!
Plant details
Common name: Donkey’s Tail or Burro’s Tail
Botanic name: Sedum morganianum
Description: Succulent perennial with fleshy, bluish green, leaf-clad, rope-like stems up to 30cm (12″) long. In summer clusters of pinkish red flowers appear at the tips of the stems.
Best climate:
Donkey’s Tail will grow in all areas of Australia but in very cold areas will need protection.
Uses:
hanging baskets low maintenance areas sunny to lightly shaded balconies or courtyards
Good points:
attractive and unusual plant hardy low maintenance drought tolerant easy to propagate from cuttings
Downside:
The stems and leaves are very brittle and readily break off when touched. Handle with care, don’t repot plants very often, and don’t put them in heavy traffic areas where they are likely to be damaged by passing people or animals. Broken pieces can be planted and will normally regrow.
Care:
Sedums like a full sun to lightly shaded position, regular watering and perfect drainage. If planted in too much shade they will drop leaves. They are best grown in an open, sandy mix formulated for succulents.
Getting started:
Donkey’s Tail costs about $10 for a 125mm (5″) pot. Order from your local nursery, or try succulent and cactus specialists such as:
NSW
Valley View Nursery, 19 Bay Road, Arcadia, NSW, 2159. Phone: (02) 9655 1550.
Hamilton’s World of Cacti, 4th Avenue, Llandilo, NSW, 2747. Phone: (02) 4777 4876.
VIC
Collector’s Corner, Gardenworld, 810 Springvale Road, Keysborough, 3173. Phone: (03) 9798 8095.
WA
Fraser Giftware and Garden Centre, 72 Fraser Road North, Canning Vale, WA, 6155. Phone: (08) 9455 1174.