A truly stunning specimen, Graptoveria ‘Debbie’s leaves are an iridescent violet gray, the tips of which can deepen to magenta when subjected to ‘sun stress.’ The fleshy, pointed leaves form a rosette, and a stalk of tiny orange flowers will emerge from the center in the spring, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds to the plant! Growing up to 8 inches tall and wide, this variety offsets readily and will soon form a substantial clump, whether it is planted in an indoor pot or an outdoor rock garden, in climates above a Zone 9.

To maintain both its coloration and its compact rosette form, ‘Debbie’ requires exposure to bright light. Beyond that, porous soil in a well-draining pot, adequate airflow around the leaves and soil surface to ward off pests, and infrequent watering using the ‘soak and dry’ method is all its takes to keep this gorgeous variety happy, healthy, and performing.

It is worth noting that a substance called ‘farina,’ which coats the leaves and affords them protection from the scorching sun, creates the iridescent glow that characterizes this variety. Despite its utility and beauty, farina can be easily marred by the oils from fingerprints, so care should be taken when handling ‘Debbie’ to keep this coating intact!