About Aeonium
Aeonium, also known as the tree-like succulent or “chou en arbre”, is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is commonly found in regions such as Madère, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and the Mediterranean Basin. Although these succulents are not cold-hardy (preferred temperature range of 0 to -4°C), they can tolerate short periods of freezing temperatures in dry soil conditions and do not like temperatures below 10°C.
These perennial succulents are characterized by their symmetric rosettes of fleshy, spatulate leaves that grow at the end of bushy stems or close to the ground for species with stemless leaves. The leaves store water and nutrients when available, allowing them to withstand periods of summer heat and drought. Aeonium leaves come in a variety of colors, ranging from pale green to dark purple almost black, and may exhibit patterns such as marbling, olive green, red margins, or cream variegation.
During the spring and summer months, Aeonium plants produce star-shaped flowers ranging from 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter. These flowers form cymes, panicles, or terminal clusters, emerging from the center of the rosettes. While the flowers are typically yellow, they can also come in shades of greenish-white, coppery-red, orange, or pinkish-white. In some species, the inflorescences may wither once the seeds have reached maturity.
It’s worth noting that Aeonium plants are monocarpic, meaning the main rosette dies after flowering. However, the remaining stems and non-flowering lower rosettes continue to grow and produce flowers the following year.
Ideal Soil and Exposure for Aeonium
If you live in a mild winter region without strong frosts, you can plant Aeonium in well-draining, light, porous, and sandy soil in a sunny or partially shaded area in your garden. However, in regions with harsh winters, it is best to grow Aeonium in pots that can be brought indoors during the winter months. Use a cactus-specific substrate composed of 2 parts potting soil and 1 part sand, with clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot. Aeonium plants thrive in bright light, so placing them near a window or in a sunny veranda is ideal.
Sowing, Propagation, and Planting of Aeonium
Spring is the best time to sow Aeonium seeds, which should be planted in a sandy substrate and kept in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight at temperatures between 19 and 24°C.
Rosette cuttings can be taken in June, allowing the wounds to dry before planting them in a cactus-specific substrate. Water lightly until the cuttings have rooted, which may take about a month. Stem and leaf cuttings can also be propagated in the same manner.
Planting Aeonium in the garden should be done in spring when the last frost has passed, usually around mid-May. This is also the best time for repotting if your plant appears cramped in its container, typically every 3 years.
Caring for Aeonium
Aeonium plants require minimal maintenance. Water sparingly, ensuring the soil is dry between waterings, and avoid letting water accumulate in the saucer. During winter, keep the plants dry. From May to September, you can move Aeonium plants outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather.
Diseases, Pests, and Parasites of Aeonium
Aeonium is generally not susceptible to diseases or pests. However, during their winter dormancy period, they may be vulnerable to infestations from mealybugs.
Placement and Ideal Companions for Aeonium
Aeonium is a versatile plant that can be grown as a border plant, in rockeries, on walls, as part of Mediterranean gardens, or as a striking addition to a veranda or indoor garden.
Recommended Aeonium Species and Varieties for Your Garden
The Aeonium genus consists of a wide range of species and cultivars. Some notable options include Aeonium tabuliforme, a small plant with rosettes that do not exceed 10 cm in height but spread up to 50 cm in width. Aeonium balsamiferum features pale yellow, balsamic-scented flowers. Aeonium sedifolium produces clusters of large, golden flowers on plants that reach 40 cm in height. Aeonium nobile presents large, pyramidal cymes composed of coppery-red or yellow flowers with red edges, while Aeonium haworthii showcases loose panicles of pale yellow to pinkish-white flowers. Aeonium canariense boasts leafy pyramidal clusters of pale green and white flowers. Finally, Aeonium arboreum can grow up to 2 meters tall and produces vibrant yellow flowers in pyramid-shaped panicles. A popular cultivar is Aeonium arboreum ‘Schwarzkopf’, which features intense, almost blackish-purple leaves.
Another well-known, popular, and highly decorative Aeonium cultivar is Aeonium haworthii ‘Kiwi’, known for its colorful rosettes that combine lime green, yellow, and crimson-red edges. This variety produces cream-colored flowers on an upright stem, resembling a small tree that can grow between 60 to 90 cm in height and 60 cm in width.
