As I've noted before in this blog, I haven't been entirely convinced about the appeal of succulents.  Maybe, however, it was a matter of finding the right one!

I absolutely adore the charming ‘Blue Waves' echeveria.  This summer I picked one up from the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek as a birthday “bouquet” for myself.  (I often justify my impulse purchases that way to myself, “it's cheaper than a bouquet and it might last longer . . . .”)

‘Blue Waves' is a small succulent with frilly-edged leaves that are blue-green at the center of the rosette and pink on the edges.  The frilly blue leaves first caught my attention and prompted my impulse buy.  I had no idea at the time, however, that the flowers would be so beautiful and last so long.   Plant descriptions on the internet dryly describe the flowers as “pink.”  The flowers are so much more than that!  They look like vibrant pink tulips with a bright orange interior.  When the plant first bloomed, the flower stalks curved in a manner that formed an enchanting, loose heart shape (see photo).  Ultimately, the flower stalks have reached approximately 21” and have bloomed for several months. 

Echeveria species and hybrids display a variety of leaf shapes and colors in a rosette form.  These tender succulents, which are in the Crassulaceae family, are drought tolerant but not frost hardy.  All echeveria are evergreen with flowers appearing in the spring, summer, and fall.  Plant them in a location that receives at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight.  They do well in part shade to full sun in coastal areas but should be protected from the full midday sun in the hotter inland areas.  Plant them in at least 6” (or up to 12” if you can) of light, fast-draining soil.

‘Blue Waves' has a mature spread of about 12-18″ tall by 9-12″ wide.  It requires low to medium water. It is suitable for containers and, so far, mine is doing well in its outdoor pot. It sits on my front steps and so far, I've not been able to walk past it without taking a moment to admire it.  I've been delighted with my long-lasting birthday bouquet!