Create Your Garden

Echeveria

Hen and Chicks, Ghost Echeveria, Painted Lady, Blue Rose Echeveria, Painted Echeveria, Mexican Snow Ball

Echevevria, Succulent, Succulents

Echeveria are stunning succulents with a kaleidoscope of colors and textures, perfect for adding beauty and low-maintenance charm to any space.

What is Echeveria?

Echeveria is a large genus of flowering plants native to semi-desert areas of Central America, Mexico, and northwestern South America. They are well-adapted to the hot and dry conditions of their native habitats. Echeveria belongs to the family Crassulaceae, a very large family containing many genera of succulents such as Aeonium, Crassula, Kalanchoe, Sedum or Sempervivum.

Description: Echeveria plants are prized for their rosettes with leaves that come in a range of colors, from green to blue-gray, pink to purple, and sometimes featuring beautiful, vibrant edges. The leaves are fleshy and succulent-like and can often be covered in a powdery wax or tiny hair.

Growth Habit: These plants have a neat, rosette growth habit and tend to remain compact. They can grow both singularly or in clusters, and some species produce offsets or “pups” that form around the base of the main plant, contributing to a fuller look. This suckering habit makes them particularly ornamental in pots that they will fill quickly, often attractively spilling over the edges.

Size: The size of an Echeveria plant can range depending on the species, but generally, they grow about 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and 4 to 12 inches (10-30 cm) wide. Some dwarf varieties are smaller, and some larger species can reach up to 12 inches in diameter.

Flowers: Echeveria produces bell-shaped or star-shaped flowers on long, arching stalks. The flowers can be orange, red, pink, yellow, or white and are usually vibrant and attractive.

Foliage: Their attractive foliage is often the main reason gardeners grow Echeveria. The succulent leaves are typically round, oval, or lance-shaped, arranged in a tight rosette pattern.

Blooming Season: Echeverias typically bloom in the spring and summer, although this can vary depending on the specific species and growing conditions.

Hardiness: Echeverias are hardy in USDA zones 9-11. They can tolerate light frost but need protection from hard freezes.

Uses: Echeveria is often used in rock gardens, succulent gardens, container gardens, and even as indoor houseplants. They are also popular in green roofs and living wall projects due to their low maintenance needs and drought tolerance.

Pollinators: The bright and nectar-rich flowers of Echeveria attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Toxicity: Echeveria is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. However, it’s always a good practice to keep plants out of reach of curious pets and children.

Deer and Rabbit: Echeveria plants are usually not favored by deer or rabbits, making them a good choice for gardens where these animals are common.

Drought: Echeveria plants are very drought-tolerant, thanks to their succulent leaves that store water. They are perfect for xeriscaping or for areas with water restrictions.

Invasiveness: Echeveria is not considered invasive. These slow-growing plants remain relatively compact and are easy to control.

Key Facts: A key fact about Echeveria is that it’s named after Atanasio Echeverria, an 18th-century Spanish botanical artist. Despite being desert plants, Echeverias do not like to be exposed to direct midday sun for extended periods, as it can cause leaf scorch. They prefer bright but indirect light.

Guide Information

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Genus Echeveria
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 4" - 8"
(10cm - 20cm)
Spread 4" - 1'
(10cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Rabbit
Attracts Hummingbirds, Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
Echeveria ‘Imbricata’
Echeveria ‘Princess Lace’
Echeveria agavoides ‘Maria’

Why Should I Grow Echeveria?

Growing Echeveria in your garden or home can offer several benefits:

Aesthetic Appeal: Echeveria plants are renowned for their beauty, boasting a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Their rosette growth habit and succulent leaves make them a standout in any plant collection.

Low Maintenance: Echeverias are drought-tolerant and require little watering, making them an excellent choice for those who might not have a lot of time for plant care. They are also relatively pest-free.

Versatility: They are great for various garden uses – in rock gardens, as border edging, in containers, or even as indoor houseplants. Some varieties can even be used in green roofs or living wall installations.

Attract Pollinators: The flowers of Echeveria attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity in your garden.

Non-Toxic: Echeveria is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, making them a safe choice for households with children or animals.

Resistant to Pests: Deer and rabbits usually avoid Echeveria, which can be a significant advantage if these creatures frequently visit your garden.

Propagation: Echeveria plants easily produce offsets or “pups” that you can propagate, allowing you to expand your plant collection without additional cost.

In summary, Echeverias are attractive, versatile, and low-maintenance plants that can add charm to your garden or home, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

 

Echeveria ‘Frank Reinelt’
Echeveria ‘Lady Aquarius’
Echeveria elegans

Echeveria vs Sempervivum: What Are the Differences?

Echeveria and Sempervivum are both popular succulent plants prized for their rosette form and ease of care. While they share similar characteristics, they have differences, primarily related to their native regions, hardiness, and how they flower and propagate.

Native Region: Echeveria is native to the semi-desert regions of Central America, Mexico, and northwestern South America, while Sempervivum, commonly known as “Hens and Chicks” or “Houseleek”, originates from the mountainous regions of North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East.

Hardiness: Echeveria is generally hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and prefers a warmer, more stable climate. It can handle mild frosts, but a hard freeze can be damaging. Sempervivum, on the other hand, is extremely cold-hardy (USDA zones 3-8), often surviving freezing winter temperatures.

Flowering: Echeveria plants produce flowers on long stalks that grow from the rosette’s center, typically in the spring and summer. Sempervivum also produces flowers in the center of the rosette, but once a rosette (or ‘hen’) blooms, it dies afterward, a process known as “monocarpic”. However, by the time it flowers, it usually has produced many offsets (or ‘chicks’).

Propagation: Both produce offsets, but Sempervivum does so more prolifically. The offsets of Sempervivum remain attached to the mother plant by a stolon until they’re large enough to survive independently. Echeveria offsets, on the other hand, often grow right next to the parent plant and are generally not attached by a stolon.

Appearance: Both have rosette shapes, but Echeveria often has plumper, glossier leaves and can come in a wider range of colors. Sempervivum tends to have more pointed leaves, often with fine hairs at the tips, and while there is color variation, it’s generally more muted than Echeveria.

Knowing these differences can help you choose the right plant for your specific gardening conditions and aesthetic preferences.

Echeveria ‘Afterglow’
Echeveria nodulosa (Painted Echeveria)
Echeveria pulidonis

Garden Design with Echeveria

Echeveria is a versatile plant that can be incorporated into various garden designs due to its unique rosette shape and vibrant color variety. Here are some ways to design your garden with Echeveria:

Rock Gardens: Echeveria is an ideal plant for rock gardens. Their compact size and rosette shape provide a striking contrast to the rough and rugged rocks. Plant different species or varieties of Echeveria together for a diverse texture and color effect.

Container Gardens: Due to their small size, Echeverias are perfect for container gardens. You can create an arrangement of different Echeverias in a wide, shallow pot for a succulent bowl effect. They can also be paired with other succulents or drought-tolerant plants.

Borders and Edging: Echeverias can be used as edging plants along walkways or borders. Their neat, rounded shape and low-growing habit make them a good choice for delineating garden spaces.

Green Roofs and Living Walls: Their tolerance for drought and ability to thrive in shallow soil make Echeveria excellent candidates for green roofs and living walls.

Slopes: Plant Echeverias that produce copious offsets on slopes where watering is uneasy. They will create a lovely groundcover that will please your eyes.

Mixed Beds: Echeverias can be planted in mixed beds with other succulents and drought-tolerant plants. The contrast of their colorful, rosette-shaped leaves can enhance the overall look of the garden.

Indoor Plants: Echeveria also does well indoors as houseplants. They can bring a touch of greenery to your living room, office, or any indoor space.

Remember, Echeveria prefers full to partial sunlight, well-draining soil, and needs protection from intense midday sun and hard freezes. With their easy care and beautiful appearance, Echeveria can add a unique aesthetic appeal to your garden or home.

Echeveria ‘Ruffles’
Echeveria setosa (Mexican Firecracker)
Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’

Companion Plants

Echeveria can be paired with various other plants in a garden setting, especially those that share similar care needs. Here are a few suggestions for companion plants:

Other Succulents: Echeveria pairs well with other succulents that have similar sunlight and water requirements. Examples include Sedum, Aloe, Haworthia, and Graptopetalum.

Agave: These plants are larger and more dramatic, making a nice contrast with the smaller, more delicate Echeveria.

Cacti: While they might have slightly different water needs (cacti generally need less water), they can still coexist beautifully in a well-drained, sunny spot in your garden.

Ornamental Grasses: Some ornamental grasses, like Blue Fescue, can tolerate the dry conditions that Echeveria prefers. Their spiky form can contrast nicely with the rosette shape of Echeveria.

Lavender: This Mediterranean plant is drought-tolerant and enjoys full sun, just like Echeveria. Plus, its tall purple blooms can complement the colors of Echeveria flowers.

Rosemary: Another Mediterranean plant, Rosemary, is a herb that prefers the same growing conditions. Its upright growth habit contrasts nicely with the low-growing Echeveria.

Rockrose (Cistus): This is another sun-loving, drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in the same conditions as Echeveria. Its shrubby form and bright flowers can make a nice backdrop for your Echeveria plants.

In all cases, ensure the companion plants you choose have similar light and moisture requirements to Echeveria to ensure they thrive together. Always consider the aesthetic appeal of combining plants with different forms, colors, and textures.

Companion Plants for Echeveria

Agave
Aeonium
Aloe
Kalanchoe
Crassula
Opuntia (Prickly Pear)
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Mammillaria
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)

Growing Tips

Growing Echeveria can be a rewarding experience thanks to their unique shape and vibrant colors. Here are some steps to guide you:

Choose the Right Location: Echeveria plants need a sunny location. They can tolerate partial shade, but a lack of sunlight can cause them to become leggy as they stretch for light. However, they also need protection from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Prepare the Soil: These plants prefer well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots, which can lead to root rot. A good succulent or cactus mix works well, or you can amend regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage. Echeveria tolerates poor or rocky soils.

Planting: Plant Echeveria so that the rosette sits just above the soil line. This helps prevent water from settling in the rosette and causing rot.

Watering: Water thoroughly, but let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake when caring for Echeveria. In winter, when the plants are dormant, reduce watering to once a month or less.

5. Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer), but avoid fertilizing in the winter when the plant is dormant.

6. Propagation: Echeveria can be propagated from seeds, leaf cuttings, or offsets. To propagate from a leaf, gently twist off a leaf from the stem and place it on top of the soil. After a few weeks, it should start to develop roots and a new plant will begin to grow.

7. Pest Control: Echeveria can sometimes attract mealybugs and aphids. If you notice these pests, treat the plant with a mixture of water and mild dish soap, or use an insecticidal soap.

8. Overwintering: If you live in a region where temperatures drop below freezing, you’ll need to bring your Echeveria indoors for the winter unless it’s planted in a container that can be moved to a sheltered location.

Remember, each Echeveria species may have slightly different care requirements, so it’s always a good idea to research the specific needs of the species you’re growing. With the right care, your Echeveria can thrive and provide a vibrant touch to your garden or home.

Garden Examples

An Eye-Catching Mediterranean Entrance
A Long-Lasting and Colorful Front Garden
A Pretty Container Idea with Sea Lavender and Lotus
A Ravishing Zen Garden
A Terrific Mediterranean Garden with Color and Texture
A Strikingly Colorful and Low-Care Mediterranean Border
Compare All Echeveria
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Echeveria
Guides with
Echeveria
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Genus Echeveria
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 4" - 8"
(10cm - 20cm)
Spread 4" - 1'
(10cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Rabbit
Attracts Hummingbirds, Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
Compare All Echeveria
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Echeveria
Guides with
Echeveria

Related Items

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone