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Pig's Ear

Cotyledon Orbiculata

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Overview

Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as "Pig\'s Ear," is a drought-tolerant succulent featuring fleshy, round, gray-green leaves with a red margin. Native to South Africa, it grows up to 24 inches tall and sports bell-shaped orange-red flowers on stalks in summer. It thrives in USDA zones 9-11, requiring well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Perfect for xeriscaping, it adds sculptural interest to rock gardens and containers.

Sun FullWater Extra in Summer, Low, MediumZones 9–10Climate Temperate

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Extra in Summer, Low, Medium
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Crassulaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (113)

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — Pig's Ear can reach heights of approximately 24 inches with a similar spread
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — Perfect for xeriscaping, it adds sculptural interest to rock gardens and containers
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as Pig's Ear, is a distinctive succulent plant native to South Africa
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — It thrives in USDA zones 9-11, requiring well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — gray-green leaves with a red margin
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — commonly known as "Pig\'s Ear," is a drought-tolerant succulent featuring fleshy
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — it grows up to 24 inches tall and sports bell-shaped orange-red flowers on stalks in summer
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — hence the common name.<br><br>The leaves emerge from stout stems
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — oval-shaped leaves that grow to about 4 to 6 inches long
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — These silver-gray leaves are often edged with a red margin
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — invoking the image of a pig's ear
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — Pig's Ear produces inflorescences consisting of coral red or orange bell-shaped flowers
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — From late spring to mid-summer
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — lending an architectural quality to garden compositions
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — providing spectacular contrasts against the foliage
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — Pair it with other succulents, gravel mulches, and rocks for an authentic desert garden aesthetic
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — and they attract a variety of pollinators
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — including bees and hummingbirds.<br><br>As a drought-tolerant plant
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — Cotyledon orbiculata is ideal for low-water landscaping in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — It requires well-draining soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — consider its ability to add year-round interest with minimal maintenance
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — although it should be protected from frost to prevent damage to the succulent leaves
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — When incorporating Pig's Ear into a landscape design
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — The flowers stand as tall as 18 inches above the foliage on erect

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