Scientific Name
Aeonium canariense (L.) Webb & Berthel.
Common Name(s)
Giant Velvet Rose, Tree Aeonium
Synonym(s)
Aeonium canariense subsp. canariense, Aeonium giganteum, Sempervivum canariense, Sempervivum latifolium
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Origin
Aeonium canariense is native to the Canary Islands. It grows on dry slopes and cliffs in northern Tenerife at elevations ranging from 1,970 to 4,265 feet (600 to 1,300 m).
Description
Aeonium canariense is a succulent plant that forms large rosettes of velvety, bright green, occasionally reddish or yellowish leaves. The rosettes are cup-shaped with more or less erect inner leaves and can reach up to 24 inches (60 cm) in diameter. The leaves are obovate to oblanceolate and narrow abruptly into a sharp point at the tips. They can grow up to 14 inches (35 cm) long and 4.8 inches (12 cm) wide.
The flowers are star-shaped with 8 to 10 whitish-green to greenish-yellow petals and appear clustered in large conical racemes on stalks that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. The racemes can reach up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. The plant is monocarpic, which means the rosettes die right after flowering.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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 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.
Subspecies and Hybrids
- Aeonium canariense subsp. latifolium
- Aeonium 'Ballerina'
- Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'
- Aeonium 'Plum Purdy'
- Aeonium 'Velour'
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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