Aeonium × hybridum

Scientific Name

Aeonium × hybridum

Synonym(s)

Aeonium × floribundum, Sempervivum ciliare subsp. hybridum, Sempervivum ciliare var. hybridum

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium

Origin

This succulent is a hybrid that results from a cross between Aeonium spathulatum and Aeonium simsii.

Description

Aeonium × hybridum, also known as Aeonium × barbatum, is a small bushy succulent with branches that end in rosettes of green leaves strongly marked with a brown median line. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 12 inches (30) cm wide, branching horizontally in the lower part and forming a tufted bush. Rosettes are up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate, pointed, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, and up to 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) wide. They are paler below and marked with linear glands. Margins are ciliate with small irregular obovate hyaline beads. The compact, flattish or convex heads of golden yellow flowers appear on erect, up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall stalks in spring. The flowers are star-shaped and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. Flower heads are up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter.

The name "Aeonium × barbatum" for this hybrid is incorrect because Aeonium barbatum is considered a synonym of Aeonium spathulatum, so any later hybrid cannot use that name.

Aeonium x hybridum aka Aeonium x barbatum — *Photo via cactuseros.com*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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 do not require any 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 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 grow them in containers, repot them with fresh potting soil every 2 to 3 years.

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.