Echeveria 'Violet Queen' - Violet Queen Hens and Chicks

Scientific Name

Echeveria ‘Violet Queen’

Common Names

Violet Queen Hens and Chicks

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Echeveria

Description

Echeveria ‘Violet Queen’ is a fast growing and hardy rosette-forming, gray-leafed succulent which freely offsets to form a dense small mound or groundcover up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall with each rosette spreading up to 8 inches (20 cm) wide. The leaves are long and narrow and curve up slightly towards the tips to form an open lotus blossom shape. The leaves, especially the tips, take on a rose pink coloration in late fall and winter that is enhanced by cold evenings and even light frosts.

Photo via flickr.com

How to Grow and Care

Most of the common Echeveria species are not complicated succulents to grow, provided you follow a few basic rules. First, be careful never to let water sit in the rosette as it can cause rot or fungal diseases that will kill the plant. Additionally, remove dead leaves from the bottom of the plant as it grows. These dead leaves provide a haven for pests, and Echeveria are susceptible to mealy bugs. As with all succulents, careful watering habits and plenty of light will help ensure success.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Echeveria

Origin

This hybrid was created by legendary Santa Barbara Horticulturalist Edward (E.O.) Orpet. It is thought to be an Echeveria elegans hybrid and is sometimes grown as Echeveria subsessilis.