Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa
thickly matted haired navel-wort
An evergreen, succulent shrub reaching a height of 70cm. The chunky leaves, up to 3.5cm long, are covered in a down of hairs and have 3-10 prominent dark-red "teeth" at their tips. Small, bell-shaped orange-yellow flowers are borne on short stems in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cotyledon are succulent perennials and shrubs with simple, opposite leaves and nodding, bell-shaped red, orange or yellow flowers borne in compact panicles
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in full light. Provide low humidity. Water freely when in growth and keep just moist at other times. Apply a dilute low nitrogen fertilizer fortnightly during late spring and summer. Keep almost dry in the winter. Stand plants outside during the summer months. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further details
Propagation
Propagate by seed or from leaf cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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