Silver Crown

Cotyledon undulata is a striking, shrubby succulent that can reach up to 50cm in height. It is easily identified by its large, flat, grey-white leaves that have deeply wavy or 'undulated' edges, resembling a scallop shell. The leaves are covered in a thick layer of white crystalline wax (farinose) that protects the plant from intense sun. In summer, it produces tall, arching stems with clusters of pendant, bell-shaped flowers that are orange or coral-red on the outside and yellow on the inside. This plant is rated H2 and must be kept above freezing, making it an ideal conservatory or greenhouse plant in the UK. It requires a very sunny position to maintain its compact shape and the thick white coating on its leaves. Care should be taken when handling the plant, as the waxy coating is easily marked by fingerprints. It adds a wonderful sculptural and ethereal quality to a plant collection.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Free-draining succulent compost.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.