Can’t get enough of your small adorable Hen-and-chicks? Here are some of the biggest and most beautiful Echeverias to grow!
From over 150 species, many have been cross-bred to create cultivars of interesting shapes, colors, and textures. The cross-breeding has especially led to unique colors like purple, green, and even variegated Echeveria. And here we will be talking about the biggest and most beautiful Echeverias you can grow!
1. Echeveria gibbiflora
Have a purple patch with this largest species of Echeveria! This variety can reach up to three feet in height and width, showcasing short-stemmed rosettes with broad spoon-shaped leaves. Plus, it seems like a succulent that looks like coral, too!
It also has a unique red-green hue and its leaf edges can develop a pink or red blush in strong sunlight, especially as the plant matures. When it blooms, you can expect an outstanding look with pink or orange flowers that really make E. gibbiflora different from the crowd.
2. Echeveria ‘Blue Dude’
Look at this beauty! Another Echeveria variety on the larger end, the ‘Blue Dude’ features beautiful pale blue rosettes that can grow up to 18 to 24 inches! Plus, you are sure to love the orange-red flowers that it produces between spring to summer.
Its thick, powdery leaves aren’t just for looks—they protect it from the sun, helping it retain that lovely blue tone even in bright light.
3. Echeveria ‘Afterglow’
If you want an Echeveria variety that is eye-catching and gets bigger than most others, you need the ‘Afterglow’. You will surely be tickled pink to see its leaves of pale pink and lavender arranged in an open, loose rosette, they look more like a flower than a succulent.
They also grow to a height of 1 or 2 feet easily and fan out about 18 inches. Plus, its vivid orange flowers are just the cherry on top!
4. Echeveria ‘Blue Atoll’
Living up to its name, the ‘Blue Atoll’ features a bright green rosette of leaves, each of which is symmetrical and grows to a width of 8 to 10 inches. It naturally clusters, producing plenty of offsets over time, which allows it to form a full, lush patch if given enough room.
This variety can handle cooler temperatures better than most, so, this can be a bonus if you want to grow it for outdoor gardens in mild climates.
5. Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’
Admired for its purple-pink leaves that have a silvery sheen, the ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ is well-loved for its symmetrical rosette. But the best part is these rosettes can expand to a width of 6 to 8 inches quite easily and also look more vibrant under bright light.
This variety is also a breeze to propagate, so it is perfect for succulent lovers wanting to fill up their collection quickly.
6. Echeveria agavoides
The name ‘agavoides’ hints at this plant’s resemblance to a small agave, with pointed, lime-colored leaves edged in red. It reaches 4 to 5 inches tall and can spread up to a foot wide. Also popular as the “Lipstick Echeveria” for its red-edged leaves, it’s highly drought-tolerant, so it’s great for hot, dry spots in the garden where other succulents might struggle.
7. Echeveria ‘Gigantea’
Another Echeveria variety that is true to its name, “Gigantea” can easily be about 2 feet in width! Its muted green leaves have pink-tinged edges that obviously a great combination for a garden. Interestingly, this plant can change its color slightly with seasonal shifts, taking on warmer or cooler tones depending on the time of year, which gives it a surprising variety of looks throughout the seasons.
8. Echeveria ‘Mauna Loa’
A hybrid of E. gibbiflora, ‘Mauna Loa’ has frilly, pale blue leaves with red or pink edges and can grow about a foot across. Its uniquely ruffled edges seem almost hand-crafted appearance can give you a feeling of back to the drawing board.
Surprisingly, it can handle light frosts better than most Echeverias, so it’s a bit more resilient in chilly climates.
9. Echeveria cante
Famous as the White Echeveria, this beauty can reach up to 10-12 inches wide and sports powdery, blue-gray leaves with a glimmer of lavender on the edges. Its thick, chalky coating not only gives it a distinctive look but also protects it from intense sun and drought.
When it blooms, it produces adorable red flowers that contrast beautifully with its soft, muted foliage.
10. Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’
While the rosettes are an average of 8 to 10 inches across, this succulent has an unparalleled look thanks to the unique, twisting, curling leaves. They can look amazing both in pots and in garden beds. Plus, it’s easy to propagate from leaves.
11. Echeveria ‘Rainbow’
Now, this one is a Bonus! Because we are talking about beautiful Echeverias, how can we forget the “rainbow” one! This variety is a rare, sought-after variegated form of Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg,’ itself a hybrid of E. gibbiflora and E. elegans. ‘Rainbow’ has a bright pink center that changes to cream and blue-green on its lower leaves, creating a soft, beautiful blend of colors.
Echeveria, by itself, is pretty fast-growing. However, not all varieties grow as big and beautiful as the ones listed above. Which varieties of Echeveria caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below!
