Cotyledon Orbiculata

Pig's Ear / Round-leafed Navel Wort

Botanical Name: Cotyledon orbiculata
Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Southern Africa (South Africa & Namibia)
Plant Type: Evergreen succulent shrub

Overview

Cotyledon orbiculata (Pig’s Ear) is a water-wise, architectural succulent for South Australian gardens. It forms tidy clumps of powdery blue-green, paddle-shaped leaves with red edges in sun, and throws pendulous orange–coral bell flowers in winter that feed pollinators. Perfect for gravel gardens, coastal sites and bold containers.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6-1.0 m H x 0.6-1.2 m W
• Growth Rate: 15-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fleshy, blue-green/grey-green “paddles” with a silvery bloom; edges blush red in high light
• Flowers: Winter stems topped with orange–coral, bell-shaped blooms; long-lasting and nectar-rich
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round structure; best flowering in winter when gardens are quieter
• Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees and other pollinators in cooler months
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant
  coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Shrub borders/rock gardens: 0.6–1.0 m centres for a dense, dramatic effect
• Pet Friendly: No — not pet-friendly. Contains bufadienolide toxins; ingestion can harm pets/livestock

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (colour and compact habit are best with strong light)
• Soil: Very well-drained sandy or gravelly loam; raised beds/mounds for heavier soils; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 14–21 days in summer; rarely in winter (let soil dry between waterings)
• Maintenance: Mulch with gravel; remove spent flower stems; prune lightly to shape after flowering; fertilise sparingly in early spring
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years in suitable, free-draining sites
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Neutral, but adaptable to mild Acidic/Alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Swap “hedges” for succulent mass plantings and gravel borders for striking texture
• Feature in large pots near entries and outdoor living spaces
• Mix with agaves, aloes and ornamental grasses for a contemporary, low-water palette

Why You Will Love It

A set-and-forget drought hero: sculptural blue-green leaves with red edges, cheerful winter bells for pollinators, and exceptional heat/coastal resilience — all with minimal watering and care.