Sedeveria 'Letizia'

Sedeveria 'Letizia' is an intergeneric succulent hybrid between Sedum cuspidatum and Echeveria setosa var. ciliata. It forms compact green rosettes on branching stems and is particularly notable for the dramatic red to red-orange colouring that can develop under seasonal and environmental stress.

Green to Brilliant Red Seasonal Colour

The fleshy leaves are fresh to apple green during active growth, with fine cilia along the margins and keel. Under suitable conditions, red pigmentation develops around the leaf margins and can progressively extend across much of the leaf surface, creating a strong contrast with the greener centres of the rosettes.

In our nursery, the most intense colouring generally develops during winter in response to cold conditions. Plants can become brilliant red, scarlet to red-orange, with our deepest colours usually occurring during particularly cold winters, including periods of sub-zero temperatures. Winter colour can therefore vary considerably from year to year according to prevailing conditions.

Strong sunlight together with heat and moisture stress can also encourage reddish colouring during warmer weather. However, in our experience the exceptionally deep red and red-orange colours shown in some of our display images are primarily associated with cold winter conditions. Plants grown with more water, warmth or protection will generally remain considerably greener.

Branching & Clustering Growth

'Letizia' develops branching stems with compact rosettes forming at their ends. As the plant matures, additional branches and growing points can produce a dense multi-rosette specimen. Older lower leaves are naturally lost as the stems develop, gradually revealing the textured stems beneath the rosettes.

Established plants can produce flower stems carrying clusters of predominantly white flowers. Fine cilia present on the foliage are also evident on parts of the developing inflorescence.

Origin & Parentage

'Letizia' is a horticultural hybrid of Sedum cuspidatum and Echeveria setosa var. ciliata. Historical information recorded for the cultivar indicates that it was almost certainly created by British grower Fred Wass and subsequently circulated in cultivation before receiving the name 'Letizia'.

Growing Sedeveria 'Letizia'

Grow in a free-draining succulent mix in a bright position with good airflow. Strong light encourages compact growth and can contribute to the development of red pigmentation. Plants should be acclimatised gradually when moving from protected conditions into substantially stronger direct sunlight.

Water thoroughly when required and allow the growing medium to dry appropriately between waterings. The amount of water, temperature and light all influence the plant's appearance, so considerable seasonal variation in colour is normal.

Other Forms of Sedeveria 'Letizia'

We also grow Sedeveria 'Letizia' Crest, which develops fasciated growth rather than conventional individual rosettes, and Sedeveria 'Letizia' Variegata, with cream-variegated foliage that can develop contrasting red seasonal colour.

Sedeveria 'Letizia' plants for sale shown in 70mm pots. You will receive the same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours will vary naturally depending on time of year and growing conditions.