Uncarina grandidieri

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 6'
W: 6'

planting zones

9a-11

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Uncarina grandidieri plant details

Uncarina grandidieri is a semi-evergreen cactus / succulent with green, purple and variegated foliage. In fall, spring and summer purple and yellow flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Uncarina grandidieri

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: pedaliaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green, purple and variegated
Mature size: 6 FT wide, 6 FT tall
Flowers: purple and yellow blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: caudex-forming, container plant, houseplant, long-blooming, spiky, tropical-looking, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Uncarina grandidieri

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Uncarina grandidieri is an incredible caudex forming succulent tree from Madagascar. This beautiful tree will grow a nice, fat caudex up to 3 feet in diameter. It has soft, fuzzy leaves with purple margins, and puts out beautiful, large, velvety-purple throated yellow flowers (2 inches across) all over the tree from spring until winter, if you live in a warm climate. It is partially decidious-- it will lose most leaves in winter but smaller, immature leaves remain during dormancy; this is based on a Florida winter where it does not get below 45 degrees too often. The leaf-losing mechanism is based on sunlight, warmth, and water availability. It is not cold hardy and needs protection from freezing and near freezing temps. This tree loves a lot of water and fertilizer during the growing season when the leaves are on the tree. During the dormant period, keep it relatively dry (water once every two weeks if the tree is leafless). This tree loves full sun all the time, and can tolerate it even when dormant. The cuttings bloom sooner, but the seedlings are incredibly vigorous and fast growing. Very difficult to grow from seed. Both grow an incredible caudex.