Echeveria

Echeveria
Echeveria 'Paloma'
(ech-eh-VER-ee-a)

This is another plant that stumped Google. The genus Echeveria is easy to get information on but the cultivar ‘Paloma’ drew a blank. The tag could have been wrong as it was handwritten. This plant was being offered at a local nursery for sale and I was attracted to its geometrical symmetry and slightly red tips on the foliage.

Echeveria is a large group of succulents native to mostly Mexico and upper South America. There are number of species that are used as garden ornamentals and numerous hybrids available. They are easily propagated and quite often need rejuvenation after several years in a pot or the ground.

Shot in monochrome, not a conversion

Yesterday we followed the age-old tradition and got our Christmas tree. Most people I know have had theirs up for weeks. It was strange because there was really only one species available Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri). They are beautiful but almost never sold around here as a tree for the landscape. That maybe is because the deer like them so much. Our tree is a little small (which is good since our house is small) but robust and is scenting the living room with a nice evergreen smell. As soon as I am done with this it will be time to put the lights on.

Black Prince Echeveria

Echeveria
Echeveria 'Black Prince'
(ech-eh-VER-ee-a)
Synonym: Chocolate

This little cutey was blooming inside the Alpine House at Wave Hill. The scarlet color is only partially represented here. The leaves were kind of black with a slight dusty appearance to them. In order for them to really turn black full sun is necessary. This is a tender plant that can tolerate some low temperatures for brief times but generally should be grown in a frost free environment or a container that can be brought inside.