Graptopetalum superbum aka Superbum

Graptopetalum superbum comes from Mexico and keeps its leaves year-round. It is a succulent, a plant with thick, fleshy leaves. It belongs to the stonecrop family, known as Crassulaceae. It grows in low clumps, not as a tall, upright plant. The RHS lists two older names for this species: Graptopetalum pentandrum ‘Superbum’ and Graptopetalum ‘Superbum’. It suits pots that show its low shape and leaf colour.

The fleshy leaves form rosettes, which branch out as they grow. The leaves look silver, with shades of purple and pink. The RHS gives a height near 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. Its wider size range is 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] for both height and spread. The low height it describes falls within that wider garden range. Plants take five to ten years to reach full size. The flowers have a star shape and bloom in spring. They have yellow and white tones.

Give this plant full sun and shelter from harsh weather. The RHS advises full light when growing it under glass. Use peat-free potting compost with a loam base. Loam or sand soils must let water drain well. The RHS lists acid, neutral and alkaline soils as suitable. The plant can cope with drought but still needs water through the seasons. Give it plenty of water in spring and summer. The RHS also advises feeding once a month in these seasons. Use a dilute liquid feed that is low in nitrogen. Keep the compost just moist in autumn and winter.

The RHS gives this plant a hardiness rating of H2. This covers lows around 34–41°F [1–5°C], but not freezing. Choose a place where you can protect it from frost. Suggested sites include a greenhouse, a conservatory or a spot indoors. It also suits patio pots and other containers. Its leaf rosettes keep their colour beyond the spring bloom season. Its clumps stay low in these settings.

You do not need to prune it as routine care. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. You can grow new plants from offsets or leaf cuttings. The RHS names leaf cuttings as the simpler method that works well. The supplied profile gives no facts on edible parts or toxic effects. It gives no basis to treat this plant as food. Nor does it give grounds to call it safe to eat.