Fred Ives Graptoveria Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' Plant Height: 6 inches Flower Height: 10 inches Spacing: 6 inches
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Hardiness Zone: 8 Other Names: x Graptoveria, Graptopetalum x Echeveria Brand: Proven Winners Description: This variety is very drought tolerant, producing rosettes of pointed green leaves that are glazed with pink and purple ; distinctive salmon-coral flowers on stalks in spring; ideal for containers, indoors or out Ornamental Features Fred Ives Graptoveria features unusual spikes of coral-pink tubular flowers with salmon overtones rising above the foliage from early to late spring. Its attractive succulent pointy leaves remain olive green in colour with showy plum purple variegation and tinges of silver throughout the year. Landscape Attributes Fred Ives Graptoveria is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Fred Ives Graptoveria is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Fred Ives Graptoveria will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity extending to 10 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 8 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 6 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation. Fred Ives Graptoveria is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers and foliage against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, this plant may be too tender to survive the winter if left outdoors in a container. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.
