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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Red/Purple Foliage: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Cool Sun/Light Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Cotyledon orbiculata 'Winter Fire' - (Winter Fire Pig's Ear) - An compact small evergreen, branching succulent to 2 feet tall with 2 to 3 inch long fleshy broadly lanceolate leaves that are a dark gray-green with edges lined with red. Large salmon-orange bell-shaped flowers dangle from flower stalks that rise above the foliage in the summer. We received this form from landscape designer Dan Tyson who gave us the name 'Winter Fire', but we have yet to find this very nice plant described anywhere. Best in full coastal sun or light shade with occasional summer watering. Hardy to 25-30 degrees. This plant is great as a container or dry growing landscape plant. Although there has not been a recorded incident of this species being poisonous to humans there have been cases in California where sheep have died when fed Cotyledon orbiculata. In South Africa, the disease caused by eating these plants, called cotyledonosis, has poisoned sheep and goats but rarely other animals. The meat of animals killed by cotyledonosis also remains toxic. The reason for this name for the genus is a complicated story. The plant, Wall Pennywort or Navelwort, (Umbilicus rupestris) was previously included in the genus. In medieval times, and in homeopathic medicine this plant was/is commonly known as Cotyledon so this name stuck with the genus, even though the plant it was named for did not. The name originated from the Greek word 'kotyledon' or 'kotyle' meaning "cupped", "hollowed" or "a cavity". The specific epithet is Latin meaning "round and flat" or "disk-shaped" in reference to the typical leaf shape of the species. The cultivar name presumably comes from the red margins of the leaves.
The information about Cotyledon orbiculata 'Winter Fire' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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