A neat clumping rosette of powdery pale blue-green leaves edged in translucent pink, sending up arching stems of bell-shaped pink-and-yellow flowers in spring. A classic windowsill and dish-garden succulent.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 10 cm H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Mexican Snowball
Botanically, Echeveria elegans is a slow-growing succulent in the Crassulaceae family. It reaches around 10 cm tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Pink flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Mexican Snowball
Mexican Snowball suits arid and semi-arid, Mediterranean and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Mexican Snowball does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Mexican Snowball is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Mexican Snowball after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Mexican Snowball in the garden
Mexican Snowball earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Mexican Snowball with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Mexican Snowball
Plant Sale lists Mexican Snowball as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.