It’s easy to see why succulents and cacti are at the top of every time-starved gardener’s shopping list. They’re some of the lowest-care plants around and provide instant gratification. What you buy is what you’re going to have – at least until they bloom. But who buys a succulent for its bloom?

These popular plants have one thing in common – their leaves are thick and fleshy since that’s where they store water. That makes them drought tolerant, but to look their best, give them occasional, deep soakings.

The essential thing for succulents and cacti? Excellent drainage. You must plant them in a special mix such as EB Stone Cactus and Succulent mix, which is very porous.

Here are the top succulents and cacti to shop for:

Sedum – Plants in this very varied group are easy to grow and provide wonderful texture to gardens and hanging baskets.

Sempervivum (Houseleek) – Precious, little star-shaped rosettes increase in clusters that slowly expand.

Dudleya – These are the exotic, crimped and wavy succulents that look like they’ve been scooped from the bottom of the sea.

Aeonium – Large rosettes of green, flat petals on bare stems are characteristic of aeoniums.

Opuntia – Most have broad, flat pads that create their structure. Beavertail, teddy bear, bunny ears and prickly pear describe the various kinds.

Mammillaria – These are tiny versions of barrel cacti and feature circles of pink, red, purple or white flowers in a circle around the tops.

Laura Wigler is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional and the manager of the Armstrong Garden Centers located at 1350 East Route 66 Glendora, CA 91740. Email her your gardening questions to growingdialogue@ armstronggarden.com or call 626-963-0328.