For the average gardener succulents are regarded as plants with funny shaped leaves whose main attraction is that they thrive in dry conditions and require little maintenance. While this is all true some types of succulents produce colorful blooms which can almost rival those of common perennial flowers. Ten of these spectacular flowering succulents are described in an article by Noelle Johnson which I found on the Houzz website.

Let?s be honest, succulents are probably not the first type of plant that comes to mind when you want to add colorful flowers to your outdoor space. However, many types of succulents, including cactuses, produce gorgeous flowers. With their characteristic drought tolerance and low maintenance too, flowering succulents are winners in warm-weather gardens. Let?s take a look at 10 succulents with lovely flowers.
1. Rock Purslane
(Calandrinia spectabilis)
Native to Chile

The Garden Route Company

Gray-green leaves form a dense mound that is transformed by the appearance of vibrant magenta flowers held atop tall stems spring through fall. The flowers are about 2 inches wide and last one day; new ones are ready to take their place the following day.
Rock purslane resembles a leafy perennial and would be suitable for use in a dry corner of a flower bed. It can also be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter in colder climates.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 9; find your zone)
Light requirement: Full sun; light, filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide; about 3 feet tall when in flower

2. Aloe Vera
(Aloe vera)
Native to the Mediterranean and Africa

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Many people are familiar with aloe vera?s purported medicinal qualities and use as a treatment for burns, but it is also a lovely ornamental succulent, growing in clumps of fleshy, upright leaves. In late winter and on into spring, it sends up vibrant yellow flowering spikes, much to the delight of hummingbirds.The gray-green leaves add a nice spiky texture to the garden even when the plant is not in flower. Aloe vera does well in containers or grown in the landscape year-round in areas with warm winters. Other species of aloe also produce beautiful flowers.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full sun; afternoon shade or light filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide or more; flowering spikes are 2 to 3 feet tall

See more at Houzz

Feature photo: Gardens by Gabriel Inc