A Top Succulent

BOTANICAL NAME: Echeveria elegans
COMMON NAME:  Rock rose

DESCRIPTION: 

This commonly cultivated succulent still remains one of the best rock roses, despite numerous new additions to the range.  It forms clumps of bell-shaped rosettes of fleshy grey leaves 15cm to 20cm tall.  In spring, pale pink flower stalks grow above the foliage, bearing pink flowers with orange or yellow on the inside.

CULTURAL INFORMATION:

These plants grow best in full sun, although they can tolerate a little shade.  They need well-drained soil with added river sand, which prevents the plants from rotting during periods of high rainfall.  Fertilise them every 4 to 6 weeks with a 3:1:6 water-soluble plant food.  Cut off spent flower spikes to maintain a neat appearance.  Re-plant clumps from time to time by breaking them up and transplanting.  This rejuvenates tired and untidy looking plants.  Echeveria withstand light to moderate frost.

GARDEN USES:

Tough and durable succulents that grow well in high rainfall areas.  They are effective in pots or hanging baskets and are attractive amongst rocks or in rockeries.  They are best shown off with a mulch of gravel or decorative pebbles around the plants.