Scientific Name
Aeonium arboreum var. rubrolineatum (Svent.) H.Y.Liu
Synonym(s)
Aeonium arboreum subsp. rubrolineatum, Aeonium rubrolineatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The specific epithet "rubrolineatum" (pronounced "roo-bro-lin-ee-AY-tum") means "red-lined" and refers to the striped leaves of this variety or the flowers, which are also commonly striped with red.
Origin
Aeonium arboreum var. rubrolineatum is native to the Canary Islands (La Gomera). It occurs in a small area in the central and western part of the island, growing on rocky slopes in forest clearings and forest edges at elevations between 2,620 and 3,940 feet (800 to 1,200 m).
Description
Aeonium arboreum var. rubrolineatum is a succulent shrub with lance-shaped leaves crowded in rosettes at the end of quite thick branches. It can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, branching from the central stalk. The leaves are mostly green in winter, and as the weather warms and they receive more light, they turn brownish-yellow with reddish-brown to maroon stripes and markings. When the plant goes dormant in summer, the rosettes are very small, and the branches are often almost leafless.
The flowers are star-shaped, pale yellow, and commonly striped with red. In summer, they appear in attractive semi-globose to ovoid clusters up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium arboreum var. rubrolineatum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Tree Aeonium 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 Tree Aeoniums in sites with western sun exposures.
Though Tree Aeoniums tolerate various soil types, as long as they're well-drained, they prefer light, porous soil. Therefore, you may want to amend your planting site with sand and limestone chips. For container gardening, plant Tree Aeonium in a moderately moist, well-draining medium.
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, allowing 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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