Echeveria runyonii

Common Names

Topsy Turvy, Mexican Hens and Chicks, Silver Spoons, Upside-Down Echeveria

Summary

Native to Tamaulipas, Mexico, this evergreen Crassulaceae succulent forms stemless rosettes about 8–12 cm across. Leaves are fleshy, spoon-shaped, glaucous pinkish-white to bluish-green with pink-tinged tips, arranged in a rosette; arching inflorescences bear bright orange and yellow flowers in late spring to late summer. Notable for silvery-grey to pinkish-white rosettes and an easy-care habit, with cultivars including 'Topsy Turvy' featuring twisted leaves.

Thrives in full sun to bright light with well-drained sandy or cactus mix; drought-tolerant and should be watered only after the mix dries, avoiding water sitting in the rosette. Hardy in USDA zones 9b–11b and propagable by offsets or leaf cuttings. Ideal for rock gardens, containers, terrariums, green roofs, and outdoor beds, contributing striking color and architectural form with minimal maintenance.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-12 inches

Spread

3-5 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade; light shade in southern regions.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy soil.

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Yellow and orange

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Blue-green to silvery-grey, pinkish-white tones, glaucous to pale green

Fall Foliage Color

GreySilver, Pink-edged (little pink hues on leaf margins)

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Leaf cuttings, Stem cuttings, Offsets (division)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts hummingbirds