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Products > Cotyledon orbiculata 'Winter Red'
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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange Red |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: 3-5 feet |
| Width: 3-4 feet |
| Exposure: Cool Sun/Light Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Cotyledon orbiculata 'Winter Red' (Winter Red Pig's Ear) - An upright evergreen, branching succulent shrub with fleshy 4 to 6 inch long gray-green spoon shaped that are held mostly upright. As with the species the edges of the leaf are lined with red. Dark orange-red bell-shaped flowers dangle from flower stalks that rise above the foliage in late winter. This form was selected for its upright growth and dark flowers. Grow in full coastal sun or light shade with occasional summer watering. Our stock plant for this selection came from Kathy Echols Midhill Farms garden in Martinez, CA and the name was given to us by Brian Kemble, curator of the Ruth Bancroft Garden, where the entrance is graced with a large plant of this variety. Although to our knowledge there has not been a recorded incident of Cotyledon orbiculata being poisonous to humans, there have been cases in California where sheep have died when fed Cotyledon orbiculata. In South Africa, the disease caused by eating these plants, called cotyledonosis, has poisoned sheep and goats but rarely other animals. The meat of animals killed by cotyledonosis also remains toxic. The reason for this name for the genus is a complicated story. The plant, Wall Pennywort or Navelwort, (Umbilicus rupestris) was previously included in the genus. In medieval times, and in homeopathic medicine this plant was/is commonly known as Cotyledon so this name stuck with the genus, even though the plant it was named for did not. The name originated from the Greek word 'kotyledon' or 'kotyle' meaning "cupped", "hollowed" or "a cavity". The specific epithet is Latin meaning "round and flat" or "disk-shaped" in reference to the typical leaf shape of the species.
The information on this page is based on our library and online research as well as observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Cotyledon orbiculata 'Winter Red'.
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