Aeonium arboreum var. rubrolineatum

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

Origin

This variety is native 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 the quite thick branches. It grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m), branching from the central stalk. Leaves are mostly green during the winter, and then as the weather warms and they receive more light, they turn brownish-yellow with maroon stripes and markings. In summer, when the plant goes domnat, the rosettes are very small, and the branches are often almost leafless. Flowers are star-sheped, pale yellow, commonly striped with reddish, and appear in attractive semiglobose to ovoid, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long clusters in summer.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

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, it prefers 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 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, 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 a Tree Aeonium (Aeonium arboreum).