Aeonium 'Cyclops' (Giant Red Aeonium)

Scientific Name

Aeonium 'Cyclops'

Common Names

Giant Red Aeonium

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Aeonium

Description

Aeonium 'Cyclops' is a beautiful succulent that forms rosettes of dark reddish-bronze leaves on stems that grow up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall. The rosettes are up to 18 inches (45 cm) in diameter. The newest emerging leaves are green, which gives the rosettes a "green eye." It grows quickly and produces small, yellow, star-shaped flowers on racemes from late winter through early spring. The flower stems emerge from the center of the rosettes.

Aeonium 'Cyclops' (Giant Red Aeonium) — *Photo via flickr.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. 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 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. See more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.

Parentage

Aeonium 'Cyclops' was created by eminent southern California horticulturist Jack Catlin by crossing Aeonium undulatum with Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'. It is a sister seedling to Aeonium 'Voodoo'.