High Country Gardens
Red Edged Pig's Ear (Cotyledon orbiculata)
Best low-maintenance succulent for gardeners seeking drought-tolerant, year-round visual interest.
Introduce the striking Red Edged Pig's Ear (Cotyledon orbiculata), a cold-hardy succulent originating from South Africa's high mountains. Its large, rounded silver leaves are beautifully edged in red, providing year-round visual interest. In mid-summer, it produces showy, nodding dusky-pink flowers atop sturdy stems. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in full sun and requires excellent drainage, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens or containers. It's a long-lived plant that can be overwintered indoors if necessary, adding unique texture and color to your landscape.
$11.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
848
/ 2577
#848 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Hardiness Zones
610
/ USDA -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking year-round structural color and visual interest
- Busy homeowners wanting low-water, resilient xeriscape options
- Beginners preferring low-maintenance plants with minimal pest issues
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in cold climates without indoor winter storage space
- Inexperienced growers struggling with precise moisture management
- Pet owners and parents needing non-toxic landscape plants
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Striking silver foliage and red margins provide year-round architectural interest.
Drought Tolerance
Thrives with minimal water once established in well-draining soil.
Pest Resistance
Naturally deters deer and rabbits, protecting your garden investment.
Hardiness Range
Impressive cold tolerance for a succulent, surviving down to zone 6.
Maintenance Ease
A low-effort perennial that demands very little from the gardener.
Pollinator Appeal
Nodding blooms attract bees and butterflies during the mid-summer season.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zones
USDA 6-10
Mature Height
6-8 inches (up to 15 inches in bloom)
Mature Spread
10-12 inches
Plant Form
Succulent with upright stems
Soil Drainage
Fast-draining
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Low
Features
- Distinctive silver foliage with red edges
- Showy dusky-pink summer flowers
- Low maintenance and drought tolerant
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Suitable for container planting
- Requires fast-draining soil
- Cold hardy succulent
- Long-lived perennial
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the Red Edged Pig's Ear. Reviewers note that the plants arrive healthy and establish quickly, even in challenging dry conditions. The striking silvery foliage and vibrant red margins are a major design highlight, offering unique texture and color that lasts through the seasons. This succulent is highly valued for its low maintenance nature, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking effortless, long lasting beauty. Its robust nature ensures a dependable addition to any garden.
Know before you buy
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. It is best to keep it in an area that your cats or dogs cannot access.
This plant requires excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Use a sandy, fast-draining soil mix, especially if you are planting it in a container.
Yes, it is cold-hardy in USDA zones 6-10. If you live in an area colder than zone 6, you can grow it in a container and bring it indoors to overwinter.
This succulent performs best in a location that receives full sun. Adequate light is essential for maintaining its vibrant red leaf edges and encouraging summer blooms.
No, this variety is naturally resistant to both deer and rabbits. It is a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.
As a drought-tolerant succulent, it has low water needs. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to ensure the plant stays healthy.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12