Succulents, Part II--Echeverias


of the soil. I find that even slightly burying the leaf leads to rot.

None of the hybrids can be propagated by a single leaf, and most do not produce offsets. Stem cuttings are required. When using this procedure, always let the cutting "cure" or callous over for a few days before putting it into potting soil. I have found that rooting hormone neither helps nor hinders the rooting process.

One last way of propagating the taller species such as E. gibbiflora is to behead them when they become straggly or ungainly. Simply cut off the rosette, let it dry for a few days, then treat it as a cutting. The remaining stalk will produce new rosettes at each leaf node; pull these off and you will have more plants than you can use!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Echeveria elegans, with its silvery blue translucent leaves and pink bell-shaped flowers in early spring, is one of the most beautiful, and easiest Echeverias to grow. Give this beauty rich soil and it will soon carpet an entire area. Individual rosettes grow to 4" wide. This is one species that will accept part shade. Hardy to 25F.

E. 'Perle von Nurnberg', a choice hybrid between E. gibbiflora and E. potosina, has leaves the color of opals. Propagation is by stem cuttings.

E. 'Black Prince" forms a handsome rosette to 3''. Leaves are extremely succulent and are maroon brown. Exposing it to more sunlight will deepen the leaf color. This hybrid lends an architectural air to any planting.

E. crenulata , one of the largest and most spectacular Echeverias, has frilly, felted leaves. Both its leaves and flowers are fire engine red. It is very tender and must be protected from frost.

E. x 'Curly Locks' forms a tight rosette of frilly blue leaves edged in pink. It reminds me of a head of looseleaf lettuce. Propagation is by offsets.

Echeveria x set-oliver, a hybrid, has pubescent bright green leaves edged in maroon. It is semi-shrubby. Everyone who sees this demands a cutting. Flowers are a scarlet red, tipped in apricot yellow. Choice.

Mail order sources for Echeverias:

Mesa Gardens P.O. Box 72 Belem, NM 87002 (505) 864-3131 http://www.cactus-mall.com/mesa/index.ht...

Squaw Mountain Gardens Willamette Valley, OR http://www.squawmountaingardens.com/

Highland Succulents 1446 Bear Run Road Gallipolis, OH 45631 (740) 256-1428

The copyright of the article Succulents, Part II--Echeverias in Florida Gardening is owned by Julie Finn. Permission to republish Succulents, Part II--Echeverias in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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