When it comes to succulents, echeverias are in a class of their own. The leaves are extremely fleshy and the coloring is often extraordinary. 'Afterglow' has lavender blue leaves edged in pink, forming large rosettes one to two feet tall and wide. Unfortunately, due to the texture of its leaves, this echeveria will show every bump and scratch, so place it in a planter where it can be seen but out of harm's way. Drought-tolerant once established and not usually favored by deer, 'Afterglow' will shine in the summer sun with little attention, but it needs to come indoors when the temps drop in the fall. A well-lit room or grow lights will keep this beauty happy until it can be moved outdoors after all danger of frost is past. 

Echeverias will bloom during the summer, sending out tall stalks of red-orange flowers that pollinators may find interesting. Many gardeners will remove the blooms to maintain the vigor of the plant, though the flowers are fascinating!