Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
AEONIUM
Plant Common Name
Aeonium
General Description
Grown for their architectural and often colorful foliage, aeoniums are evergreen succulent perennials or shrubs found mainly on the Canary Islands. They bear fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves in rosettes at the tips of one to several stems, with new growth appearing in late fall and early winter. Typically bright green to blue-green, the leaves are variegated, purple, or golden on some selections, and may have red-tinted margins. Many aeoniums are low mat-forming plants with short rosette stems; others become small or even medium-sized shrubs. Flowering stalks with domed or conical heads of starry yellow flowers are sometimes produced on older stems, which usually die after flowering.
These attractive and easy to grow succulents work well as potted plants for the home or greenhouse, or as garden subjects in areas with mild winters. They prefer full sun and dryish soil, requiring partial shade in areas with hot summers. They dislike hot humid conditions. Stems should be cut back after flowering, or when the plant becomes leggy. Propagate plants from stem cuttings in late winter or early spring.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 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
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Height
4"-80" / 10.2cm - 203.2cm
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Width
4"-80" / 10.2cm - 203.2cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Canary Islands, Northern Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
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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
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Blue Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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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
Medium
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
