Fire Barrier Succulents

As we move through the seasons with very little rain, our hillsides have turned from their beautiful green carpets with wildflowers to a dryer, more hazardous condition for fires. We live in communities where we must be aware of fire breaks and fire retardant plants to protect our property and lives.  We have no control over gusting winds and harsh, dry conditions, but there is something extra we can do... 

It was proven in the last devastating fires that homes surrounded by succulents seemed to fare far better than those without. This doesn’t mean you have no choice other than succulents for your landscape, but for slopes surrounding your property or to make a fire safe barrier, you can depend on the Fire Barrier Succulents listed below to help lessen destruction from fire. Give it some thought, and visit a local bookstore, library, or the internet to help you select the varieties most appealing to you and your particular situation. Then, find a local nursery specializing in landscape cactus and succulents and you’ll be prepared to develop a tough safety barrier for the unexpected.

In the process, you may even discover the beautiful world of luscious succulents, which by the way have varying foliage colors and shapes with jewel-toned blossoms part of the year.  Succulents blend compatibly with most landscapes and are quite drought tolerant, an important element in our landscapes as we find ourselves in a time of imposed water conservation. They come in all sizes and shapes, from very small ground huggers to large, imposing screens. 

So, enjoy the quest, as you learn more about them, search local nurseries, stop to admire a landscape, and start to collect your favorites.  Beware—you might just find them irresistible, as well as practical!

Fire Barrier Succulents List                                                                                     back to top

Please click on each plant name for more complete information.
Aloe arborescens Calandrinia spectabilis
Aloe ciliariis hyb. Cotyledon "Long Fingers"
Aloe grenadensis Crassula argentea
Aloe hyb. ‘California’ Euphorbia mauritanica
Aloe saponaria Portulacaria afra
Aloe striata hyb. Senecio vitalis
Agave attenuata Senecio barbertonicus
Agave fransonzinii Senecio mandraliscae
 

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