Echeveria is a large genus of succulents in the Crassulaceae family, native from Mexico to north-western South America. The genus is named after the 18th century Mexican botanical artist, Atanasio Echeverría. Many of the species produce numerous offsets, and are commonly known as ‘Hen and Chicks’, which can also refer to other genera such as Sempervivum that are significantly different from Echeveria. They are also often confused with genera such as Aeonium, Graptopetalum and Sedum. Echeveria is regularly crossed with the latter two genera as well as Pachyphytum to create hybrids with the genus names Pachyveria, Sedeveria and Graptoveria. Echeverias are especially well suited to being grown in pots and rockeries which adds to their ease of cultivation. Echeverias are polycarpic, meaning that they may flower and set seed many times over the course of their lifetimes. It is essential in cultivation to use a very porous soil, which will allow quick drainage. Bright light is required to prevent “stretching” of Echeverias. Stretching occurs when a moderately fast growing plant such as an Echeveria, is grown in dim light or over-fertilized, which causes overly lush growth that contributes to weak, pallid plants. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch and let them dry before watering again.

Echeveria elegans, commonly known as Mexican Rose or sometimes Mexican Snowball is a striking plant that is easy to propagate from seed and roots effortlessly from cuttings. These perennial succulents have thick green to grey-greenish blue leaves that overlap in rosettes that often resemble artichokes. Leaves are at their brightest (grey-blue to blue-purple) from spring to autumn, and are followed by long-lasting flowers in pink, red or yellow. A stunning effect is created when planted en masse. This old favourite has become very popular lately because of its striking shapes and colours and how beautifully it contrasts, planted alongside mondo grasses or when used in pebble gardens. Although they love full sun, they will tolerate shade or part-shade.