These charming succulents are perfect for containers or well-draining, warm Southwest gardens
The inward spiral of rose window - imprint plant life always seems to drag us in . From Romanesco Brassica oleracea italica to golden barrel cactus ( Echinocactusgrusonii , Zones 9–12 ) , many plants raise with numerical precision that bring out itself in arresting architectural frame . Echeverias ( Echeveriaspp . and cvs . , Zones 9–11 ) are perhaps the queens of this geomorphologic arrangement . Their allurement is irresistible , and one small flora can be a rewarding foolery !
Echeverias’ native habitat
member of Crassulaceae , along withsedums(Sedumspp . and cvs . , zona 3–11 ) and biddy and chicks ( Sempervivumspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–10 ) , echeverias are primarily native to tropic areas of Mexico and Central America . They can be find growing among craggy rocks ; in dry , forested hillside ; and in vertical cliff faces — most always in locations with excellent drain . A few will tolerate some light hoarfrost , but they are the exception . In their aboriginal habitat , conditions are generally comfortable , with lows in the 50s and highs in the 80s .
Required growing conditions
Cool , sunny condition convey out echeverias ’ skillful color and their compact substance abuse , but fortunately most will take a much wider kitchen range of temperatures in stride . Good drainage is crucial . Due to their beauty and tolerance of neglect , echeverias often take center stage in mixed succulent containers , or as spectacular specimen on their own . In semitropical parts of the Southwest , they can be grown in the ground among other bush and succulents , though they will not be quite as xeric as true aboriginal desert plants . In containers , most will fly high with good aurora sun and some burnished shade during the hottest part of the daylight . They are contented with only episodic water , choose ironical territory over blotto .
In areas with winter freezes , echeverias should come indoors , but they require a windowpane with full sun , cool temperatures , and minimal water . A chilly garage windowpane can also solve , where they can go somewhat inactive during the cold months . If conditions are too warm , most will seek to summarise active ontogeny , stretching for all available spark and losing their compact rosette form . Slower - develop varieties are less likely to lose this lot , and the best of these is lipstick echeveria ( Echeveria agavoides , Zones 9–11 ) .
Stunning hybrids and companion plants
Many members of Crassulaceae hybridise quite easily , and plant life stock breeder have have full advantage of this , creating scores of colored cultivars with intermediate traits . Hybrid name have become commonplace , such as “ ×Sedeveria ” ( Sedum×Echeveria ) , “ ×Graptoveria ” ( Graptopetalum×Echeveria ) , and “ ×Pachyveria ” ( Pachyphytum×Echeveria ) .
While echeverias are sensational on their own , do n’t hesitate to mix them with other coloured or textural works . Leafy flora can take up redundant water from the soil , and I use them as practiced “ index number plant ” that will droop when soil is becoming too dry . Then I know it ’s the ripe time to piddle . Three of my favourite companion plant for echeverias are ‘ Silver Falls ’ dichondra ( Dichondraargentea‘Silver Falls ’ , Zones 9–11 ) , silver bush ( Calocephalus brownii , Zones 9–11 ) and sun - large-minded coleus ( Plectranthusscutellarioidescvs . , Zones 10–11 ) , such as ‘ Sedona ’ and ‘ Dark Star ’ .
For some favorite echeveria varieties , check outEnchanting Echeverias for the Southwest . For more on grow succulent in the Southwest , study on here :
And for more Southwest regional reports , get through here .
— Dan Johnson lives and garden in Denver and in Tucson , Arizona . He is an associate director of horticulture for the Denver Botanic Gardens .
Photos : Dan Johnson
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Echeverias like this miniature echeveria (Echeveria minima, Zones 9–11) make the perfect container plants but can also grow outdoors in Zone 9 and higher.
‘Mauna Loa’ echeveria (Echeveria‘Mauna Loa’, Zones 9–11) is a hybrid with a very unique texture and red-green foliage.
Here, ‘Afterglow’ echeveria (Echeveria‘Afterglow’, Zones 9–11) and Mexican snowball (Echeveria elegans, Zones 9–11) grow in light shade in one of the warmer parts of the Southwest.
Lipstick echeveria is a slower-growing variety that is content to grow in a sunny windowsill.
‘Francesca’ graptoveria (Graptopetalum×Echeveria‘Francesca’, Zones 9–12) is a charming succulent with icy blue foliage that is blushed in pink and purple.
Silver bush complements the look of echeverias and also grows in the same conditions.
