Overview
Cotyledon woodii is a compact, bushy cactus succulent in the genus Cotyledon, part of the Crassulaceae family, with succulent, fleshy leaves foliage. Cotyledon woodii grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include rock gardens, containers and ground cover.
About
Cotyledon woodii, commonly known as Wood's navel-wort, is a compact, bushy succulent perennial from the Crassulaceae family. It features fleshy, succulent leaves typical of the Cotyledon genus, which is known for simple, opposite leaves and nodding, bell-shaped flowers in red, orange, or yellow. This cultivar thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with well-drained, neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for rock gardens, containers, or as ground cover, with interest in spring and summer. Propagation is by leaf cuttings or offsets.
About the genus
A cotyledon is a "seed leaf" – a significant part of the embryo within the seed of a plant – and is formally defined as "the embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants, one or more of which are the first to appear from a germinating seed." Botanists use the number of cotyledons present as one characteristic to classify the flowering plants (angiosperms): species with one cotyledon are called monocotyledonous ("monocots"); plants with two embryonic leaves are termed dicotyledonous ("dicots"). Many orchids with minute seeds have no identifiable cotyledon, and are regarded as acotyledons. The Dodders also lack cotyledons, as does the African tree Mammea africana (Calophyllaceae).
Wikipedia contributors, "Cotyledon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cotyledon
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cotyledon
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cotyledon woodii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Compact, bushy
- Foliage
- Succulent, fleshy leaves
- Suggested uses
- Rock gardens, containers, ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cotyledon woodii
- Propagation
- Leaf cuttings, offsets
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cotyledon woodii?
Cotyledon woodii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cotyledon woodii need?
Cotyledon woodii grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cotyledon woodii hardy in the UK?
Cotyledon woodii has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Cotyledon woodii?
Leaf cuttings, offsets.