Echeveria: Why they rock my world

Echeveria - the succulents that started my obsession with succulents. It felt right to dedicate a post to them. Echeveria are some of the most sought-after succulents on the market, and for good reason. From their distinctive rosette forms to their delicate pastel hues, they make the ultimate succulent centrepiece.

While I generally really enjoy gardening in the UK, the very existence of Echeveria sometimes makes me want to move to Australia or California, live barefoot by the sea, and fill a garden with these tender Mexican natives. But back to reality, in my cold English garden, I can at least enjoy them in pots in a greenhouse, sheltered from the cold and relentless winter rain. In many ways it’s the best of both worlds.

Here are 8 reasons why Echeveria rock my world:

1. They're perfectly symmetrical

The preference for symmetry is a well-noted human trait. As Echeveria grow out from the centre, in a distinctive rosette shape, they are naturally symmetrical. This is my number one reason for growing them - they are ornamental on their own. They don't really need any other plants around them to enhance their beauty. But if you do mix them with other succulents, they'll naturally steal the show, as their rosette form automatically draws the eye in.

2. The flowers are gorgeous

For a long time, I really didn't care much for the flowers of Echeveria. They seemed so insignificant compared to the rest of the plant; and the long, scrappy nature of the flower stems felt a bit at odds with the tidy and compact growing habit of the foliage below them. However, when they open, the bell-shaped flowers are vibrant and cheerful, and often stand out spectacularly against the blue, green, grey or purple leaves. Now, when I see the first buds appear between the waxy leaves, ready to spring out into the world, a little butterfly of excitement flutters in my tummy - it means spring is almost here.

3. They change colour under stress

Most of the time, we don't want our plants to be stressed. With succulents, you can afford to be a bit less sympathetic. These tough cookies are enhanced by a little stress - but the right kind of stresses. In high light levels and very cool temperatures, the leaves of echeveria will naturally start to change colour, and often you get this beautiful multi-toned affect. Looking at the Echeveria above - the pink tints on the leaf margins come from high light levels. Without the high light levels, the plant would just be pastel blue. Not that that would be such a tragedy...

4. They come in the prettiest pastel colours

I have to say, pastel blues and greens are not colours I naturally gravitate towards, but in the plant world, they are a welcome novelty. Many Echeveria fall into this colour category. The soft colours of the plant's leaves, be it green, turquoise or purple, remind me of spring and summer, pebbles and sandy beaches. They bring a light pop of colour to a dreary winter day.

5. They're extremely resourceful

Echeveria, like many succulents, are simple to propagate. Pop individual leaves off the main stem and set them onto of a tray of grit or succulent compost, and after a while they will start to produce roots and new leaves where the leaf once met the stem. Remove the top of an Echeveria rosette from the stem, and that too will produce roots and become its own plant. Meanwhile, the headless torso of the original plant will grow new heads! So, from one plant, you could soon make yourself lots of Echeveria offspring. Talking of which...

6. They make cute babies

Who cares if it's tiny when it's so cute!

7. They give a modern and unfussy vibe

Echeveria 'Lincoln Harlequin'

Echeveria are a combination of pale and smooth, neat and compact. They are naturally architectural and interesting to look at. They make great statement plants, very unlike the jumbled chaos of colour and texture usually associated with a traditional cottage garden. In fact, the very ordered way in which they grow, as well as their waxy leaves, makes them just right for a contemporary garden, or as decorative statement on a sunny windowsill.

8. They are evergreen

Echeveria keep their leaves all year round, at least when grown in the right conditions. And, If they are kept groomed, they are always tidy and presentable, even when dormant. When the garden looks so bare in the winter, it's really nice to be able to slip into the greenhouse with a hot drink, and see some life in there.

So have I convinced you to grow Echeveria? Warning, they can be quite addictive. And you do need somewhere suitable to overwinter them, because they don't make the best houseplants in the dark and cold months. Perhaps a post on Echeveria care is in order? Stay tuned.

Thank you for reading.

Have a great week.