Cotyledon undulata
silver crown
An upright, evergreen, succulent subshrub branching from ground level and grows to around 50cm tall. Fleshy leaves, 5-10cm long, are obovate, wedge-shaped to oblong-linear, grey-green in colour with a powdery waxy coating and margins that may be edged deep red. Flower stems to 70cm high bear clusters of bell-shaped to tubular, pendulous, pinkish-orange flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Orange | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Pink Orange | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
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 stem cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, vine weevil and aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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