Photo by Far Out Flora
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Calandrinia spectabilis
Plant type
cactus / succulent
size
- H: 15"
- W: 36"-48"
planting zones
- 9a-10b
Calandrinia spectabilis plant details
Calandrinia spectabilis is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and variegated foliage. In fall, spring and summer magenta flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in gritty, rocky and well-drained soil.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Calandrinia spectabilis
- Plant type: cactus / succulent
- Plant family: montiaceae
- Foliage: evergreen blue and variegated
- Mature size: 36 IN - 48 IN - wide, 15 IN tall
- Flowers: magenta blooms in fall, spring and summer
- Uses: container plant, rock garden, year round interest
GROWING CONDITIONS for Calandrinia spectabilis
- USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
- Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
- Watering frequency: low
- Resistant to: deer
- Soil needs: gritty, rocky and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
Tender.Mounding blue gray foliage. Magenta blooms
This spectacular Chilean perennial gets my highest recommendation as the best, super EASY, everblooming, deer proof plant for a dry garden or difficult spot. Blooming from May to forever (mine was still in full bloom at the end of November), this most robust succulent produces a continuous supply of hundreds of bouncy, bright cerise, 1.5,” single, rose-like flowers – without deadheading! Color coordinating, attractive, blue-green foliage spreads quickly into a dense, 15” x 4’ groundcover, suppressing all weeds as it grows. Do give it a home in that parking strip that looks so sad (it’s kid proof!), that blah hillside or anywhere you’d love to see continuous easy color. Cut back to 6” in Winter & add a bit of compost in Spring for perfect appearance next season. Decent drainage. Drought tolerant!
By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials
Tender for us, but this potted pet performs indoors for months and months - very worth it! Stunning 3" saturated magenta flowers on narrow stems bloom one at a time, lengthening the stem, and give off the softest baby powder/vanilla scent. Succulent ice-blue leaves. Outdoors during summer, and indoors during winter is best here in Oregon.
Garden photo gallery of Calandrinia spectabilis
Gardening facts about Calandrinia spectabilis plant
How to Grow Calandrinia spectabilis
Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly shade
Water Needs
- low - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Features
Foliage Color
- variegated
- blue
Flower Color
- magenta
Wildlife
- deer resistant
Flower Season
- fall
- summer
- spring
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Texture
- glaucous
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Calandrinia for your garden
aka Calandrinia grandiflora, Rock Purslane
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
8a-11
Size
Height: 12"-15"
Width: 24"-36"
- sun - mostly shade
- occasional - low
View Plant
aka Calandrinia umbellata, Talinum umbellata, Red Maids, Redmaids, Rock Purslane
Plant Type
Perennial
Zones
8a-10b
Size
Height: 12"-36"
Width: 12"
- sun
- low - drought tolerant
View Plant
aka Red Maids
Plant Type
Annual / Biennial
Zones
8a-10b
Size
Height: 6"-12"
Width: 12"-18"
- sun
- occasional
View Plant
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