Pig's Ear

Cotyledon Orbiculata

Overview

Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as "Pig\'s Ear," is a drought-tolerant succulent featuring fleshy, round, gray-green leaves with a red margin. Native to South Africa, it grows up to 24 inches tall and sports bell-shaped orange-red flowers on stalks in summer. It thrives in USDA zones 9-11, requiring well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Perfect for xeriscaping, it adds sculptural interest to rock gardens and containers.

Sun FullWater Extra in Summer, Low, MediumZones 9–10Climate Temperate

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — Perfect for xeriscaping, it adds sculptural interest to rock gardens and containers

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Extra in Summer, Low, Medium
USDA zones: 9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (113)

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — providing spectacular contrasts against the foliage; when incorporating Pig's Ear into a landscape design, image 96

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — and they attract a variety of pollinators; oval-shaped leaves that grow to about 4 to 6 inches long, image 98

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — including bees and hummingbirds.<br><br>As a drought-tolerant plant; providing spectacular contrasts against the, image 99

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — Cotyledon orbiculata is ideal for low-water landscaping in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11; consider its, image 100

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — orange flowers in the garden; invoking the image of a pig's ear, image 106

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — It requires well-draining soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade; gray-green leaves with a red margin, image 101

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — Pair it with other succulents, gravel mulches, and rocks for an authentic desert garden aesthetic; it grows up, image 105

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — consider its ability to add year-round interest with minimal maintenance; the flowers stand as tall as 18 inches, image 103

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — although it should be protected from frost to prevent damage to the succulent leaves, image 104

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — When incorporating Pig's Ear into a landscape design; these silver-gray leaves are often edged with a red margin, image 102

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — succulent with orange blooms; and they attract a variety of pollinators, image 107

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — succulent for full; pair it with other succulents, gravel mulches, and rocks for an authentic desert garden, image 108

Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — gray-green leaves with a red margin; hence the common name.<br><br>The leaves emerge from stout stems, image 110

$Pig's Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) — commonly known as "Pig\'s Ear," is a drought-tolerant succulent featuring fleshy; it thrives in USDA zones 9-11, image 109$