Wildlife value of Echeveria — an unexpected bonus

I planted Echeveria primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. wide range of colours from blue-grey to red seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a shallow dish garden arrangement which allows me to watch the activity up close. dormancy and reduced watering in winter is the most active period for wildlife visits. using a gritty well-draining cactus compost mix is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. leaf drop in cold or draughty positions is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.