Dyckia Brittle Star

Dyckia 'Brittle Star' is not a succulent despite appearances, but a rosette perennial from the Bromeliad family. Resembling a starfish with elongated arms, this American hybrid variety stands out with its very dark, almost black leaves, contrasting with light teeth with silver reflections. The mature plant will produce flowering stems in early summer, bearing small decorative bright orange flowers at their tips. In a desert or contemporary-style rockery, in a mild climate, this remarkably graphic plant attracts all eyes. It will also thrive in a pot, overwintering in colder regions.

Dyckia 'Brittle Star' is related to the pineapple, to Fascicularia, and to Guzmania, for example. The Dyckia genus includes around 120 botanical species native to arid regions of South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). In their native lands, these perennials are adapted to a hot but highly contrasting climate, characterized by heavy seasonal rainfall followed by extremely dry conditions. In our climates, they will tolerate drought perfectly from October to April but will appreciate occasional watering during their growth period. They are plants for poor and well-drained soils. Unlike true succulents, Dyckia does not store water in its thick leaves.

Dyckia 'Brittle Star' develops long, thick, and rigid curved leaves, tapering to spiny margins (be careful when handling), gathered in a spreading and dense rosette. At maturity, this variety reaches about 15cm (6in) in diameter. The foliage persists throughout the year. It is more or less dark depending on the amount of sunlight the plant receives, ranging from very dark bronzed green-grey to brown-green and almost black-purple. Each leaf is bordered by numerous small white-silver curved teeth. Each rosette will flower when mature, after a few years of cultivation. Its flowering, in late spring or early summer, is decorative: a flowering stem rises above the foliage, on the periphery of the rosette, bearing small bright orange tube- or bell-shaped flowers at its tip. In Dyckia, the rosette does not die after flowering. The hardiness of this 'Brittle Star' variety does not exceed -6/-7°C (21.2/19.4°F) at its peak, in a very well-drained, even dry soil.

Dyckia 'Brittle Star' is still little used in Europe despite its ease of cultivation and its undeniable ornamental value. It is suitable for sunny rockeries where it will find the conditions it appreciates. Its silhouette and colour allow for interesting associations in a collection of Mangaves, Agave, or Aloes. Planted in groups, this Dyckia structures the space and gives a very xeric charm to any decor. In cold regions, it can be planted in a nice pot filled with cactus soil, on the terrace or balcony, to overwinter it frost-free, in a cold greenhouse or a poorly heated veranda. To accompany it, also consider Puya, plants from arid places that are happy in mild climates like it.