Things that go bump in the garden

If you thought the frilly-edged Echeverias we featured in our previous issue were something special, then take a look at these bumpy beauties! These interesting Echeveria hybrids boast unique bumps (called caruncles) on their foliage, giving them a standout feature that’s rich in texture. Meet Echeveria ‘Etna’ and other intriguing carunculated varieties, available at garden centres now.

How to grow These Echeverias thrive in full sun to partial shade but will become leggy if planted in too much shade; in frost areas, protect them with frost cloth or move to a sheltered spot. They are fairly droughttolerant and flourish with regular feeding. Always remove any water that gathers inside the rosette as this may cause rot and fungal diseases that will kill the plant.

Claim to fame Echeveria ‘Etna’ bears stunning rosettes of frosted violet-blue leaves with interesting caruncles on their surface. The plant produces orange-red, bell-shaped blooms on a long inflorescence in summer.

In the garden Your star succulent will take the spotlight in warmly hued containers that contrast the cooler colours of the leaves.

They will also shine in borders and rock gardens. Repotting of Echeverias should preferably be done during the warm season.

Pest patrol Echeverias are susceptible to mealybugs. Remove dead leaves from the bottom of the plant where these pests like to hide. To reduce the risk of infection, ensure that your plants have plenty of light.

Also try these More curious carunculated Echeveria varieties include ‘Linguas’,

‘Mauna Loa’, ‘Baccarus’, and ‘Bumps’.

Did you know? Echeveria ‘Etna’ is named after one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mount Etna in Sicily. >>