Lipstick Succulent

Lipstick Succulent (Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick') is a very neat, symmetrical rosette of apple-green, pointed leaves edged in vibrant crimson. Mature size is listed at up to 60cm tall and wide, though it grows slowly and a young plant stays compact for a long time. Pinky-red flowers tipped with dark yellow follow on mature, happy plants.

Why you'll love it

• Crimson edges. Each apple-green leaf finishes in a point and a red margin, which is the look that gives it its name.
• Colour as it matures. Young plants are all green, and the red edging builds as the plant grows.
• Perfect symmetry. The rosette is very regular, which suits formal pots and gravel gardens.
• Flowers on top. Mature plants send up pinky-red flowers tipped dark yellow.

Where it works best

Sunny rockeries. With its pointed leaves it suits a rockery or gravel bed, away from places where it could catch passing arms. Plant 30cm apart so the rosettes have room to grow.

Feature pots. A single rosette in a shallow pot makes a clean architectural accent for a courtyard or entry.

Bright indoor spots. A sunny windowsill works well, though less light means less red. It is not considered toxic to cats or dogs, but keep pots out of reach of a determined nibbler all the same.

Growing Lipstick Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the strongest colour. If a plant has been grown in shade, introduce it to summer sun over a week or two. Outdoors it does best in warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid regions, and in subtropical gardens if you can shelter it from wet weather. It is frost tender, so in cold-winter areas treat it as a pot plant for an indoor windowsill.

Soil. Free draining soil is essential: cactus mix with plenty of grit, or a raised, gravelly bed with the crown held just above the surface.

Water and feed. Check the soil with a finger before every drink and water only when it feels dry. Aim at the base of the plant so the centre stays dry, and ease off to a monthly soak through winter. One weak feed in early spring is enough.

Pruning. No pruning. Remove dead lower leaves by hand, wearing gloves if the leaf points catch you.

What to expect when it arrives

Lipstick Succulent is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that settles in quickly once potted up. Young tube plants are green, with the red edging developing as they grow in good light.

Echeverias handle a few days in a box without complaint. Take the plant out on arrival, settle it in bright shade, and move it to its final light over a week or two rather than all at once. Availability of the tube depends on our grower, who does not always have it. If the page shows sold out, use the notify button and you will get an email the day the tube is available again.

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

• Explore the echeveria range
• Plants for rockeries and gravel beds
• Succulent care tips for Australian conditions
• How to repot as it grows

Common questions

When will it get red edges?

Young plants are all green. The deep red margin develops as the plant grows and gets plenty of light.

How big does it get?

Mature size is listed at up to 60cm tall and wide, but it grows slowly, so a young plant will stay compact for several seasons.

Are the leaf tips sharp?

The leaves taper to a point, so keep it away from paths and play areas, and wear gloves when you tidy the rosette.