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Succulents, Part III--Aeoniums

© Julie Finn

Of the 40 species of Aeoniums, about 12 are garden-worthy. Most are succulent shrubs or sub-shrubs, but others form low-growing rosettes that make interesting groundcovers. Some are monocarpic, which means they die after blooming. To prevent these types from dying, simply remove all flowering shoots as they appear. Different species bloom during different seasons. Flowers are pyramidal and are produced in racemes in shades of yellow, white or pink.

All are easily propagated by either stem cuttings or by rooting the offsets. Shrubby species benefit greatly from "beheading." This should be done every third year to prevent the "rosette on a stick syndrome." Replanting these cuttings will produce vigorous, but uniformly dwarfer plants.

Most are hardy from Zones 9 through 11. Established plants can withstand temperatures into the upper 20s Fahrenheit, moreso when kept dry. Floridians living in the Panhandle can succesfully overwinter cuttings indoors or grow a few of the hardier types in a protected area.

Although the thickest concentration of Aeonium species is found in the Spanish Canary Islands and Morocco, several extend into north Africa along the Mediterranean coast.

Arguably, the most popular species grown in the states is A. arboreum. This winter-bloomer, growing to 3 feet tall, forms jade-green rosettes that turn bronze during the cooler winter months. A purple leaved variety is available as A. arboreum 'Atropurpureum.'

Another cultivar, 'Zwartkop,' has spectacular maroon-black leaves and flowers the color of 'Moonbeam' coreopsis. The coloration of this variety is enhanced in full sun. This plant originated in Holland; I have also seen it offered in the trade as 'Schwarzkopf.' As summer progresses, the plant enters dormancy. A variegated form of this species, 'Island Sunset,' is available from specialist nurseries. Photos can be viewed at this site: http://www.cactuscenter.com/plants1.html

Aeonium tabulaeforme, a strange and wonderful stemless type, has strongly overlapping ciliated green leaves. A mature plant can grow to 20 inches wide, recalling its common name, "saucer" or "dinner plate" plant.

In her book "The Succulent Garden," Yvonne Cave reports that these totally flat succulents grow on the faces of cliffs, enabling the crowns to shed water, effectively preventing rot. Highland Succulents offers an interesting cristate (= crested) form of this plant. As with most of the stemless species, this one is monocarpic. Propagation is by offsets or by seed.

This species is suited for pot culture, and it grows best in part shade. Do not let water sit on the crown. Pot-grown specimens appreciate rich soil. Frequently this plant is labeled as A. undulatum 'Pseudotabuliforme' or A. pseudotabulaeforme.