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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 EcheverrÃa. 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. Many Echeveria species are popular as garden plants. They are drought-resistant, although they do better with regular deep watering and fertilizing. Most will tolerate shade and some frost, although hybrid species tend to be less tolerant. They can be propagated easily by separating offsets, but may also be propagated by leaf cuttings and as long as they are not hybrids, by seed. 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. |