Scientific Name
Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum'
Synonym(s)
Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum, Sempervivum arboreum var. atropurpureum, Sempervivum mutabile
Common Name(s)
Dark Purple Houseleek Tree, Purple Aeonium, Purple Rose, Purple Rose Tree
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The generic name "Aeonium" (pronounced "ee-OH-nee-um") means "long-lasting" and refers to the enduring, perennial nature of the plants in this genus.
The specific epithet "arboreum" (pronounced "ar-BOR-ee-um") means "tree-like" and refers to the growth habit of this species.
The cultivar epithet 'Atropurpureum' (pronounced "at-ro-pur-PURR-ee-um") means "dark purple" and refers to the color of the leaves of this cultivar.
Forms of Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum'
Origin of Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum'
Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum' is a cultivar of Aeonium arboreum introduced and described by Dr. B. K. Boom in the Dutch journal Succulenta in 1959.
Description of Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum'
Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum' is a succulent shrub with striking rosettes of colorful leaves at the ends of the branches. It can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. The leaves change color through the seasons from reddish-green to deep reddish-purple.
The bright yellow, star-shaped flowers appear in large pyramidal panicles in late spring.
Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum' is sometimes sold simply as Aeonium 'Atropurpureum'.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Aeonium tree grows best in full sun during the cooler months and in coastal areas. When grown inland or during the summer, provide this succulent with afternoon or partial shade. Avoid placing Aeoniums in sites with western sun exposures.
Though Aeoniums tolerate various soil types, they prefer light, porous soil as long as they're well-drained. You may want to amend your planting site with sand and limestone chips. For container gardening, plant Tree Aeonium in a moderately moist medium with excellent drainage.
This drought-tolerant plant hates water around its roots, so avoid excessive watering. In the wild, these succulents go dormant in summer, so water sparingly during the hotter months and allow plants to dry out between waterings. In the winter, reduce watering to once per month.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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