Aeonium, a succulent genus native to the Canary Islands off North Africa's western coast, boasts around 35 distinct species. This compact succulent takes on the appearance of a shrub.
Aeonium succulent is a subtropical plant that boasts rosette-shaped clusters of smooth, waxy leaves. These leaves showcase striking hues like black, red, green, and variegated tones, creating a captivating visual spectacle in gardens.
There are 15 captivating Aeonium types that truly capture every garden’s heart. Let’s delve deep into the realm of Aeonium varieties:
Aeonium arboretum
Aeonium arboreum, commonly known as Tree Aeonium, Houseleek Tree, is a common species of succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. The leaves of Aeonium arboretum are typically evergreen. The large rosettes reach diameters of up to 10 inches, leaves feature curved cilia along the edges and have a spoon-like shape.
Arboretum means tree-like so that the shrub can grow as tall as 6.6 feet and its erect or ascending stems, which can be up to 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) in diameter, are often branched. If used as an indoor potted plant, Aeonium arboreum can grow to a maximum of 3 feet.
Aeonium canariense
Aeonium canariense, also known as Giant Velvet Rose, Similar to Aeonium arboreum, is an evergreen succulent variety. What sets it apart is that the edges of its leaves display a brighter shade of yellow or red.
Unlike other Aeonium species that can grow tall and tree-like, Aeonium canariense tends to have a more compact growth habit, with the rosettes staying relatively close to the ground. Its rosette can grow up to 24 inches, making it suitable for garden planting and container cultivation.
Aeonium haworthii
Aeonium haworthii, commonly called Pinwheel plant, is a succulent native to the Canary Islands and North Africa. This plant belongs to the Aeonium genus and is known for its distinctive rosette growth pattern and attractive foliage.
Aeonium haworthii is a petite variety of Aeonium, showcasing delicate spoon-shaped leaves with red-hued edges. The leaf tips gracefully curve downward, forming an elegant silhouette. The rosettes have a diameter of merely 4.4 inches.
Aeonium kiwi
Aeonium kiwi is a cultivar of Aeonium known for its vibrant and colorful foliage. Also called Aeonium haworthii 'Dream Color', "Dream Color" is the most fitting description of its color. This charming succulent displays three distinct hues, transitioning from green to yellow and culminating in a reddish edge. The harmonious combination of these three colors gives the impression of a variegated succulent.
Aeonium kiwi is often favored for its ornamental value, adding a touch of liveliness and uniqueness to succulent gardens, arrangements, and indoor collections.
Aeonium sunburst
Aeonium 'Sunburst' (Copper Pinwheel) showcases rosettes of thick leaves that exhibit a remarkable blend of colors, reminiscent of a sunburst or radiant sunrise. The rosettes grow up to 8 inches in diameter.
The leaves of Aeonium sunburst are variegated with shades of green, creamy yellow, and often edged with hues of pink or red. This intricate combination of colors creates a vibrant and dynamic visual display. The rosettes are well-formed and compact, positioned at the ends of short stems.
Aeonium black rose
Aeonium black rose, a succulent that immediately captivates with its name, also known as Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'. This unique plant showcases rosettes of velvety leaves that appear deep purple to black, creating a dramatic and elegant visual effect.
The leaves of Aeonium 'Black Rose' are densely packed and have a glossy texture. The coloration becomes most intense when the plant receives plenty of sunlight. Given its exceptional appearance, Aeonium 'Black Rose' is often used as a focal point in succulent arrangements, where its dark foliage contrasts with other plants.
Aeonium lily pad
Aeonium 'Lily Pad' is a succulent shrublet that produces flat, open rosettes. Aeonium 'Lily Pad' leaves are often broad, flat, and have a unique arrangement that contributes to its lily pad-like appearance. When exposed to full sunlight, the rosettes' older leaves display delightful orange and yellow hues.
Aeonium 'Lily Pad' can reach a height of about 12 inches. These rosettes emerge at the tips of their stems and can attain a diameter of up to 6 inches. Due to its distinctive and attractive growth habit, Aeonium 'Lily Pad' is a sought-after choice among succulent enthusiasts and gardeners.
Aeonium tabuliforme
Aeonium tabuliforme, commonly known as "Dinner Plate Aeonium" or "Flat-Topped Aeonium," is a unique and intriguing succulent plant. The leaves of Aeonium tabuliforme are arranged in a tight, compact rosette that grows almost perfectly flat, resembling a saucer or a dinner plate.
The rosette comprises numerous overlapping leaves that create a striking, symmetrical appearance. The leaves are typically green, and they can have a slightly wavy or scalloped edge, adding to the plant's visual interest.
Aeonium pink witch
This succulent showcases rosettes of thick leaves with a charming pink hue, giving rise to its intriguing name - Aeonium 'Pink Witch'. The variegated leaves display a delightful blend of pink, green, and white shades. As the seasons change, the pink hues gradually intensify, becoming most vivid during summer.
This succulent has the potential to reach heights of up to 18 inches (45 cm). The leaves are spoon-shaped, exhibiting softly pointed tips and edges with slight cilia.
Aeonium 'Mardi Gras'
Aeonium 'Mardi Gras' delivers a powerful visual impact, it unfurls with neat stripes of yellow, green, and wine-red on its leaves. The vibrant and varied colors create an atmosphere akin to a festive celebration, immersing people in a realm of joyous revelry.
Due to its striking and festive appearance, Aeonium 'Mardi Gras' is often used as a focal point in succulent arrangements, container gardens, and outdoor displays, where its lively hues create a festive atmosphere.
Aeonium Dodrantale
Aeonium Dodrantale stands apart from other commonly seen Aeonium succulents due to its significant visual differences. This compact Aeonium variety develops numerous clustered rosettes that resemble green roses. During its dormancy period, its leaves fold together, creating a closed appearance within the rosette.
The "chicks" at the base of the rosettes are easily propagated. Aeonium Dodrantale, as a solitary-growing plant, boasts a remarkable flowering period when its flower clusters bloom, creating a splendid and impressive display. This distinct appearance sets it apart from other Aeonium varieties.
Aeonium Sedifolium
Aeonium sedifolium is a succulent plant that belongs to the Aeonium genus. The name "sedifolium" refers to its similarity to plants in the Sedum genus, which typically have small, densely packed leaves. Aeonium sedifolium features rosettes of tightly clustered, small, and pointed leaves that give it a distinctive appearance reminiscent of some Sedum species.
The leaves of Aeonium sedifolium are often green or bluish-green, and they can have slightly different shades depending on factors like sunlight and growing conditions. Under full sunlight, the purplish-red patterns on the leaves will intensify.
Aeonium 'Emerald Ice'
Aeonium 'Emerald Ice', the succulent evokes an icy or frosty quality. The leaves are typically variegated with shades of green, pale blue, and sometimes edged with hues of white or silver.
The leaves are triangular and thin, with ciliate margins resembling eyelashes. It has a slow growth rate, with plant height and diameter typically around 1 foot. Unlike other Aeonium varieties, it's not very tolerant of direct sunlight and requires shade during the summer for proper care.
Aeonium blushing beauty
Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' is a cultivated hybrid from the Aeonium canariense and Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'. This variety is characterized by its pronounced fragrance, notably stronger than other Aeoniums.
Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' is a compact to medium-sized variety with upright stem growth that readily forms multiple heads. Its leaves are elongated and spoon-shaped, with a relatively thin texture. The color of the leaves undergoes noticeable changes throughout the seasons, transitioning from green to reddish-brown with variations in light exposure and temperature fluctuations.
Aeonium cyclops
Aeonium 'Cyclops' is a hybrid Aeonium resulting from the cross between Aeonium undulatum and Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'. In the center of its rosette, there is often a prominent green area, resembling a green eye, which gives rise to its name.
When in its thriving state, the rosette's central portion is somewhat enclosed, and the leaf color leans toward a deep red shade with a subtle metallic sheen. Due to its rich red leaf coloration and impressive size, it is sometimes referred to as Giant Red Aeonium.
Aeonium succulents are more sensitive to the humidity of their surroundings. You may wonder: How humidity affects succulents?
