Scientific Name
Aeonium dodrantale (Willd.) T.H.M.Mes
Common Name(s)
Mountain Rose
Synonym(s)
Sempervivum dodrantale, Greenovia dodrantalis, Greenovia gracilis, Sempervivum gracile
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The specific epithet "dodrantale" (pronounced "doh-dran-TAY-lee") means "of nine inches" and refers to the length of the peduncle of the inflorescence of this species.
Origin
Aeonium dodrantale is native to the Canary Islands.
Description
Aeonium dodrantale, also known as Greenovia dodrantalis, is a succulent plant that forms rosettes of pale green, densely packed leaves. The rosettes are cup-shaped or urn-shaped, produce offsets on stalks that can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long, and can reach a diameter of 2.4 inches (6 cm). They are tightly closed during the plant's summer dormancy. The leaves are obovate-spatulate, apically rounded or truncate, measuring up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide. They are glaucous, often very finely glandular-hairy when young, becoming glabrous with age.
The yellow flowers appear in clusters on sturdy stalks that reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) above the foliage.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium dodrantale
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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. Placing them in moist shade will keep them growing, but their true growth season is from winter to spring, when temperatures are cool, ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), and the air is damp. In winter, water the soil whenever it 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 preferable to a mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents, as Aeoniums require some moisture. If you are growing them in containers, repot them every 2 to 3 years with fresh potting soil.
Feed the plants with a half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so during the growing season. Do not feed the plant while it is 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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