Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Ballerina'
Synonym(s)
Aeonium 'Frosty', Aeonium goochiae 'Ballerina'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Origin
According to Rudolf Schulz, this succulent is most likely a hybrid resulting from the cross between Aeonium glutinosum and possibly Aeonium canariense.
Description
Aeonium 'Ballerina', also sold as Aeonium 'Frosty', is a succulent shrub that makes a dense mass of rosettes of grayish-green, slightly hairy leaves with white margins. It grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Rosettes are up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. There is some variation in the form of the somewhat sticky leaves, and reversion to the unvariegated form occurs occasionally.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aeoniums do not like hot or dry weather. Therefore, they may go dormant in summer and require no water except in arid conditions. In extreme heat, their leaves will curl to prevent excessive water loss. Growing them in moist shade will keep them growing, but their true growth season is winter to spring, when temperatures are cool, 65 to 75 °F (18 to 24 °C), and damp. In the winter, water whenever the soil has dried out. Test by poking your finger down into the soil an inch or 2 (2.5 to 5 cm). Too much moisture or allowing them to sit in wet soil will cause root rot.
A sandy loam or regular potting mix is better than a mix specifically for cacti and succulents since Aeoniums need some moisture. If you are growing them in containers, repot them every 2 to 3 years with fresh potting soil.
Feed during the growing season with a half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so. Do not feed while dormant.
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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