Sunrise Succulent

Anacampseros rufescens is a low-growing, clump-forming succulent that is a delight for the UK hobbyist. It features small, fleshy, olive-green leaves that are arranged in a dense rosette. The underside and edges of the leaves turn a beautiful shade of reddish-purple or pink, especially when grown in bright light or in response to cooler temperatures. A unique feature of this plant is the presence of fine, white, hair-like filaments that grow from the leaf axils. In summer, it produces surprisingly large, vivid pink or purple poppy-like flowers that open only for a few hours in the afternoon. Rated H2, it is best grown in a pot on a sunny windowsill or in a frost-free greenhouse. It requires an extremely free-draining soil and very careful watering; it is particularly sensitive to rot if the soil remains damp. Its compact size and colour-changing foliage make it a perfect addition to a miniature succulent garden or a sunny bookshelf.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Very gritty, well-draining compost.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.