The Story
Plant Bio
Succulent perennial with fleshy, rounded leaves and clusters of tubular flowers.
This variety has exceptional drought tolerance and is well-suited for rock gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Cactus Succulent
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South Africa
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Late spring
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck cuttings into well-draining soil in spring for best rooting.
- Mist soil lightly to keep it slightly moist, avoiding overwatering.
- Place in bright, indirect sunlight for healthy growth.
- Allow soil to dry completely between watering sessions.
- Transplant when roots are established, typically after 6 weeks.
- Avoid overwatering during winter dormancy to prevent rot.
Pro Tip
Use sandy, well-draining soil and avoid excess watering for healthy plants.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water sparingly, letting soil dry out between watering 🌱
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Fertilize lightly during active growth months
- Protect from frost in colder zones
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Place in low light conditions
- Use heavy, clay soil that retains moisture
- Allow soil to stay wet for prolonged periods
- Expose to freezing temperatures
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Pig's Ear questions
What zones can Pig's Ear grow in?
Pig's Ear is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Pig's Ear deer resistant?
Yes — Pig's Ear is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Pig's Ear bloom?
Pig's Ear typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Pig's Ear need full sun?
Pig's Ear does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Pig's Ear drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pig's Ear handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Pig's Ear with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.