Pachyphytum clavifolia Seeds - Exotic Cold Hardy Succulent - Combined Shipping, NEW

Pachyphytum is a genus of about 12 species of succulents related to Echeveria. The main attraction of these species is the softly coloured leaves, commonly covered with a chalky coloration. The genus name Pachyphytum comes from the Greek for 'thick leaves'. The flowers are small and borne on an inflorescence. They are followed by tiny seed pods. Pachyphytums are generally propagated by seeds and leaf cuttings. They tend to be more resistant to extreme temperature than Echeveria and are cold hardy to -7°C for short periods, and tend to be more heat resistant and drought tolerant too.

Pachyphytum clavifolia, also known as Pachyphytum clavifolium is a hardy succulent with bluish foliage that has a waxy frosted coating. It has upward rounded leaves which add texture to the garden. It is also well suited for pots, rockeries and drought tolerant water wise gardens. It will grow to about 20cm in height and forms offsets from the base of the plant, forming a clump of about 20cm wide. During late winter it bears tiny pale orange/yellow flowers on a 10 - 15 cm stem. It prefers sun/light shade and well-drained soil. It is hardy and tolerates dryness and heat but avoid heavy frosts.

These plants are fairly hardy but require free-draining compost. Needs regular water in summer, but reduce watering during the winter months. They are fairly drought tolerant, but will grow best with an occasional watering. They love full sun, with some shade during the hottest part of the day. A higher light exposure helps to keep the plants compact and encourage leaf colour and flowering. Like Graptopetalum and Echeveria, Pachyphytum is sensitive to being handled, as skin oil can damage the leaves, in particular those with a pearlescent colouration or bloom. After growing for several years they tend to become untidy, and should be cut very short or restarted from cuttings. Pachyphytum is cold hardy to -7°C but are sensitive to mealybugs.