How to Grow Echeverias – FineGardening

The inner spiral of rosette-shaped crops at all times appears to draw us. From Romanesco broccoli to golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii, Zones 9–12), many crops develop with mathematical precision that reveals itself in spectacular architectural kinds. Echeverias (Echeveria spp. and cvs., Zones 9–11) are maybe the queens of this structural association. Its attract is irresistible and a small plant generally is a rewarding indulgence!

Echeverias native habitat

Members of Crassulaceae, together with sedums (sedum spp. and cvs., Zones 3–11) and hens and chicks (sempervivum spp. and cvs., Zones 4–10), echeverias are native primarily to tropical areas of Mexico and Central America. They are often discovered rising amongst craggy rocks; on dry, wooded slopes; and on vertical cliffs – virtually at all times in locations with wonderful drainage. Some tolerate some mild frost, however they’re the exception. In its native habitat, circumstances are usually snug, with lows within the 50s and highs within the 80s.

Vital rising circumstances

Cool, sunny circumstances convey out the echeverias’ greatest shade and compact behavior, however thankfully most settle for a a lot wider vary of temperatures with ease. Good drainage is crucial. Attributable to their magnificence and tolerance for neglect, echeverias usually take middle stage in blended succulent containers or as gorgeous specimens on their very own. Within the subtropical components of the southwest, they are often grown within the floor amongst different shrubs and succulents, though they aren’t as xeric as true native desert crops. In containers, most will thrive in morning solar and a few shiny shade throughout the hottest a part of the day. They’re content material with solely occasional water, preferring dry soil to moist soil.

In areas with winter frosts, echeverias needs to be saved indoors, however require a window with full solar, cool temperatures, and little water. A cool storage window also can work, the place they could be a little dormant throughout the colder months. If circumstances are too scorching, most will attempt to resume energetic development, stretching into all obtainable mild and dropping their compact rosette kind. Slower-growing varieties are much less prone to undergo this destiny, and the perfect of those is echeveria lipstick (Echeveria agavoidesZones 9–11).

Spectacular hybrids and companion crops

Many members of Crassulaceae hybridize fairly simply, and plant breeders have taken benefit of this, creating dozens of colourful cultivars with intermediate traits. Hybrid names have change into widespread, resembling “× Sede ought to”(sedum × Echeveria), “× Graptoveria”(Graptopetalum × Echeveria) and “× pachiveria”(Pachyphytum × Echeveria).

Whereas echeverias are gorgeous on their very own, do not hesitate to combine them with different colourful or textured crops. Leafy crops can take in extra water from the soil and I exploit them pretty much as good “indicator crops” that wilt when the soil is getting too dry. So I do know it is the fitting time to water. Three of my favourite companion crops for echeverias are ‘Silver Falls’ dichondra (Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, Zones Sep 11), silver bush (Calocephalus browniiZones 9–11) and sun-tolerant coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides cvs., Zones 10–11), resembling ‘Sedona’ and ‘Darkish Star’.

For some favourite echeveria varieties, try Enchanting Echeverias for the Southwest. To be taught extra about rising succulents within the Southwest, learn right here:

And for extra Southwest regional experiences, click on right here.

—Dan Johnson lives and gardens in Denver and Tucson, Arizona. He’s Affiliate Director of Horticulture on the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Photographs: Dan Johnson