Graptopetalum ‘Lavender Pebbles’

Lavender Pebbles (Graptopetalum amethystinum) is the succulent people stop and pick up. It stays small at about 15cm tall and 30cm across, forming loose rosettes of thick rounded leaves in a soft lavender grey, coated in a chalky bloom that catches the light like frosted glass. It is drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and not toxic to cats or dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Colour you rarely see in a plant. The leaves sit between lavender, dusty pink and blue grey, and the tone shifts through the year.
• Genuinely low care. Full sun, sharp drainage and a drink every few weeks in summer. That is the whole routine.
• Safe around pets. Not toxic to cats or dogs, which matters for a plant that sits at coffee table height.
• It multiplies itself. Offsets form around the base, and any leaf that drops will often strike where it lands.

Where it works best

Pots and containers. A shallow bowl 200mm to 300mm wide is ideal, because the roots are fine and shallow and a deep pot holds wet mix. Mixed with other succulents it gives the pale contrast most arrangements are missing.

Rockeries and gravel gardens. Planted into pockets between rocks it gets the sharp drainage and reflected heat it likes, and the leaf colour reads beautifully against grey stone.

Balconies, courtyards and small gardens. It handles hot paved positions that cook other plants, and will not outgrow a small space.

Growing Lavender Pebbles in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun brings out the lavender tones; in shade the leaves go plain green and the rosettes stretch. It suits warm temperate, subtropical, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens. It takes light frost only, so frosting inland and cool temperate gardens need it potted under eaves for winter.

Soil. A gritty cactus and succulent mix, or potting mix opened up with coarse sand. In the ground it needs raised, free draining soil. Wet feet in winter is the one thing that reliably kills it.

Water and feed. Soak thoroughly, then let the mix dry right through: roughly every two to three weeks from spring to autumn, monthly or less over winter. Handle it by the pot, because the chalky coating rubs off and never returns on that leaf.

Pruning. None needed. Pull off shrivelled lower leaves as they dry, and remove the flower stem once the white and yellow star flowers finish in spring.

What to expect when it arrives

This one is grown as tube stock, so you will receive a young plant of one or two small rosettes ready to pot up. Succulents travel well, because the thick leaves carry their own water. A smudged bloom on the leaves after handling is normal, and new growth comes through fully coated.

Leave your plant dry and bright for a week before the first water so any damaged roots can seal. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95, and every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee. Being slow growing, expect a filled 200mm pot after two seasons.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full succulent range.
• Read our guide to choosing the right size pot.
• Compare plants for rockeries and gravel gardens.
• See more in our pet safe collection.

Common questions

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Graptopetalum is not toxic to cats or dogs, so it suits a home where pets investigate plants. Chewed leaves still ruin a rosette, so keep it out of easy reach.

How often should I water it?

Every two to three weeks in the warm months and monthly or less in winter, and only once the mix is dry through. Soft, translucent lower leaves mean too much water rather than too little.

Why has it gone green and stretched?

Not enough light. Move it to full sun or the brightest position you have and the colour will return on new growth. The stretched section will not shorten again, so cut the rosette off and restrike it.