John Rickard
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
Aeonium arboreum
Plant Common Name
Tree Aeonium
General Description
An architecturally interesting succulent for garden color and texture, tree aeonium is a heat- and drought- tolerant native of Morocco. Its branched stems are upright, each bearing a tight rosette of spoon-shaped, bright green leaves. Some plants' leaves are mottled or blushed lightly with burgundy or purplish tones. In the spring, each mature rosette produces an upright stalk that towers above the foliage. At the top of the stalk is a dense mass of bright yellow flowers, each small and with many thin petals. A tree aeonium in bloom looks like it's carrying yellow torches.
Appropriate for nearly full sun to partial shade and highly drought tolerant, tree aeonium requires perfectly drained, average to gritty garden soil. Keep the soil much drier other times of year, including the hottest times of summer when the plant becomes semi-dormant. In frost-free climates, growth occurs in the milder weather from fall to late spring. Where hardy, it is commonly grown as an outdoor rock garden perennial, but it also makes a superb houseplant for a sunny window. Overly dry soil coupled with hot, intense, all-day sun can scald or stunt plants in arid climates. Protect from subfreezing temperatures to avoid leaf or stem dieback. High humidity and too much rain or irrigation leads to root and stem rot. The ornate cultivar ‘Zwartkop’ has near-black foliage that makes a real statement in beds and containers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m
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Width
2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Morocco
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Lemon Yellow
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Lime Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Lime Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Lime Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Lime Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Edging, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
