Sedum morganianum (Donkey's Tail)

Donkey's Tail is a succulent built for hanging baskets. Its long, trailing stems are densely packed with plump, blue-green teardrop-shaped leaves that overlap in a braided, rope-like pattern. A mature specimen cascading from a high shelf or porch hook is genuinely striking, and the look it achieves is difficult to replicate with any other plant.

Handle this one with care. The individual leaves detach easily with a bump, which frustrates some gardeners but also makes propagation almost effortless. Dropped leaves left on moist soil will root and sprout on their own. Position it somewhere it can hang freely without being jostled by traffic.

Donkey's Tail thrives on benign neglect. Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry completely before watering again. It prefers bright light and excellent drainage, and will rot quickly in wet soil or humid, poorly ventilated conditions. On the Oregon coast, keep it in a sheltered porch or indoors during wet winters. In summer it occasionally produces small pink or red flowers at the stem tips, a nice bonus on an already beautiful plant.