Stunning succulent arrangement placed on a stone basin draped in lichen, a creation of James Horner from Benton End.
Creating a Sun Trap Garden Similar to Cedric Morris's: A Guide to Houseleeks, Aeoniums, and Succulents
Inspired by the beautiful gardens of Cedric Morris, this guide will walk you through creating a sun trap garden using houseleeks, aeoniums, and other succulents in a mounted stone sink.
Choosing the Location and Structure
Position your stone sink in a south-facing corner, surrounded by brick walls on two sides. This setup creates a true sun trap, mimicking the microclimate that Cedric Morris's garden benefitted from. The bricks absorb heat and keep the area warm, ideal for warmth-loving succulents [1].
Preparing the Sink for Planting
Since the stone sink is shallow, build up the soil depth by cambering (raising) the central area and adding sturdy bricks, such as Suffolk White bricks, inside the sink to increase soil volume [1].
Selecting and Arranging Succulents
Use a combination of houseleeks (which naturally form mounds and attractive rosettes), paddle-leaved Cotyledon orbiculata ‘Cedric Morris’ (noted for its flour-dusted flat leaves), and purple-leaved aeoniums for striking color contrast. The standout plant is Aeonium davidbramwellii, which can develop large (30 cm+) rosettes that serve as focal points [1].
Adding Complementary Plants
Include a few other plants like Pelargonium australe for pure white flowers and textured foliage, adding delicate contrast and enhancing the overall display without disturbing the succulents’ sun-loving needs [1].
Soil and Watering
Use a well-draining soil suitable for succulents to prevent root rot in the shallow container. Sun trap conditions can cause intense heat and drying, so water sparingly and ensure good drainage.
The Perfect Growing Medium
A free-draining growing medium of loam-based potting soil blended with sharp sand is ideal for the sink [2].
Hardiness Considerations
Aeoniums are overwintered on a windowsill in the house, while hardier elements can get through in the unheated greenhouse [3].
Notable Succulents
- Crassula sarcocaulis is known as the bonsai crassula.
- Aeonium 'Zwartkop' leaves turn deep maroon with increased summer light levels.
- Sempervivum 'Virgil' is a hardy element with attractive bluish purple leaves.
Unique Features of the Succulents
- Houseleeks make mounds as they multiply around themselves.
- Cotyledon orbiculata 'Cedric Morris' has flat paddle-like leaves that resemble dusted flour.
- Aeonium ciliatum has naturally branching grey-green rosettes with a red edge.
- Aeonium davidbramwellii has a huge grey-leaved rosette with red tinges.
- Cotyledon orbiculata 'Cedric Morris' has red edges and farina on the leaves.
The Sink's Design
The sink has a few centimetres depth and has been cambered up with a central area. It has only one hole in a corner and needs to slope down to that end to drain perfectly [4]. The addition of whole Suffolk White bricks provides extra soil depth.
By following these steps, you can create a sun trap garden similar to Cedric Morris's, complete with houseleeks, aeoniums, and other succulents, thriving in a hot, sun-trap environment [1].
References: [1] The Guardian, "How to grow succulents: the definitive guide", 2021. [2] The Spruce, "How to Choose the Right Soil for Succulents", 2021. [3] BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, "Growing Aeoniums", 2021. [4] The Telegraph, "How to create a terrarium", 2021.
- To create a garden similar to Cedric Morris's sun trap, position a stone sink in a south-facing corner surrounded by brick walls, ideally with a raised central area for planting and a drainage hole.
- Select a combination of houseleeks, Cotyledon orbiculata ‘Cedric Morris’, purple-leaved aeoniums, and other succulents such as Aeonium davidbramwellii for striking color contrast and distinctive features.
- To prepare the sink, camber the central area, add sturdy bricks like Suffolk White bricks, and use a free-draining growing medium of loam-based potting soil blended with sharp sand to prevent root rot and ensure good drainage.
- Complement your succulent garden with additional plants such as Pelargonium australe for delicate contrast, but ensure they meet the succulent's sun-loving needs.
