Blue Bird Succulent

Blue Bird Succulent (Echeveria 'Blue Bird') is a compact, symmetrical rosette about 20cm tall and 30cm wide, with silver-blue leaves that taper to a point. In colder weather each leaf takes on a blush of pink, and a mature, happy plant sends up long stems of pinky-orange bell flowers. It is a tidy, low effort succulent for sunny pots and rockeries.

Why you'll love it

• Cool silver-blue leaves. The pointed leaves form a symmetrical rosette in a cool colour that stands out in a garden of greens.
• A pink blush in the cold. Each leaf is gently shaded with pink in colder weather, so the plant changes through the year.
• Flowers on long stems. Mature plants send up pinky-orange bells that nod above the rosette.
• Neat and symmetrical. The rosette keeps a tight, even shape without any trimming.
• Hardy once settled. It is drought tolerant once established and happy in a pot, a rockery or on a bright sill.

Where it works best

Pots and bowls. Plant 30cm apart in a wide, shallow bowl of gritty mix. It looks best with space around each rosette.

Rockeries. Set it in a sunny pocket of gravel, where the pale blue leaves stand out against dark stone or red-tinted succulents.

Mixed succulent displays. Pair it with maroon-leaved echeverias or green aloes for contrast in colour and form.

Growing Blue Bird Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the best colour and the tightest rosette, and indoors it wants your brightest window. It suits frost free gardens in subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid climates. Echeverias are frost tender, so in cold areas keep it in a pot and shelter it for winter.

Soil. Plant in well drained soil. A cactus and succulent mix is ideal for pots, and grit or a raised bed helps on clay.

Water and feed. Water when the top of the soil is dry, and take care not to overwater. Water around the plant or into the saucer, never onto the rosette. Rain is usually enough for plants in the ground.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Carefully pull away any dead, dry leaves from the edge of the rosette, and cut the flower stems back to the base once the bells have faded.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Blue Bird Succulent as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in a sunny, free draining spot. Expect a small rosette that settles within a couple of weeks and then grows slowly and steadily.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so availability comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out when you visit, use the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our full range of echeverias
• More succulents for pots and gardens
• Plants for rockeries and gravel gardens
• Succulents in Australia: a complete care guide

Common questions

Does it flower?

Yes, once it is mature and happy. Pinky-orange bell flowers rise on long stems above the rosette. Good light and a restrained watering routine give the best chance.

Why has the pink blush appeared?

That is normal. The leaves take on a pink blush in colder weather, and the plain silver-blue returns as it warms.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Echeverias are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Any plant can upset an animal that eats a lot of it, so keep it out of reach of a determined nibbler.