Echeveria ‘Black Knight’

Echeveria 'Black Knight' (Echeveria affinis 'Black Knight') is the darkest rosette most gardeners will ever grow, a tight spiral of near black leaves about 20cm high and 25cm across. In late summer it sends up slim stems of scarlet bells that honeyeaters find quickly. It asks for sun, sharp drainage and very little else, and it is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage colour nothing else matches. The rosettes deepen to near black in full sun, reading as a dark accent against pale gravel, concrete or terracotta.
• Scarlet flower spikes. Slender stems lift red bell flowers above the rosette in the warmer months, and honeyeaters work them.
• Safe around pets. Echeveria is not toxic to cats or dogs, so it can sit at floor level or on a low shelf.
• Almost no upkeep. Drought tolerant, heat tolerant and happy in poor soil, it needs water only when the mix has dried right through.

Where it works best

Pots and containers. A shallow bowl 200mm to 300mm wide suits the flat rosette better than a deep pot. Group three in one bowl for a fuller look, spaced about 15cm apart.

Rockeries and gravel gardens. Planted between stones with the crown just proud of the surface, it gets the drainage it wants and stands out against pale rock.

Balconies and courtyards. A hot west facing balcony that cooks other plants suits this one, provided the pot drains and the saucer is emptied.

Growing Echeveria 'Black Knight' in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun brings out the darkest colour, though morning sun with afternoon shade suits the hottest inland gardens. It is at home in warm temperate, subtropical, Mediterranean and arid districts. Being frost tender, it needs a pot and winter cover in cool temperate gardens.

Soil. Sharp drainage matters more than fertility. Use a cactus and succulent mix, or open potting mix up with coarse sand. In the ground, plant on a mound or slope so water never sits around the crown.

Water. Soak the mix, then leave it until dry through, roughly every two to three weeks in summer and monthly or less in winter. Wet winters are the main way these plants are lost, so keep pots out of steady rain from June to August.

Feeding and grooming. A half strength liquid feed once or twice over spring and summer is ample. Pull off dry lower leaves as they shrivel, and cut the spent flower stem at the base.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold as tube stock, a single young rosette rather than the full sized plant in the photographs, usually 50mm to 80mm across on arrival. Given warmth, sun and sharp drainage it fills a 200mm pot within a season or two and offsets to form a small clump.

Succulents travel well, since the leaves carry their own water. Leave yours dry and bright for a week before the first drink. 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 the full succulent range
• See other plants that are safe around cats and dogs
• How to choose the right pot size
• Compare plants for rockeries and gravel gardens

Common questions

Is it safe if my cat or dog chews it?

Yes. Echeveria is not toxic to cats or dogs, one of the easier succulents to keep in a household with pets.

Why has my plant turned green instead of black?

Not enough light. The dark pigment develops under strong sun, so a plant grown in shade reverts to dull green. Move it into full sun gradually over a fortnight to avoid scorching.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes, on the brightest windowsill you have, though the colour stays softer than outdoors. Water less often indoors, since the mix dries much more slowly.

Will it survive frost?

No. It is frost tender and hard frost damages the rosette. In cold districts keep it potted under eaves or in a bright sheltered spot through winter.