Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Garnet'
Synonym(s)
Aeonium 'Irish Eyes'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Origin
Aeonium 'Garnet' is a hybrid created by Jack Catlin and results from a cross between Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' and Aeonium tabuliforme. It was distributed as ISI 95-12 in 1995 and is a sibling of Aeonium 'Jack Catlin' and Aeonium 'Zwartkin'.
Description
Aeonium 'Garnet', also known as Aeonium 'Irish Eyes', is a beautiful succulent that forms a dense mound of numerous branches topped with rosettes of glossy leaves of a rich garnet color. It can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 4 feet (1.2 m) wide. The center of the rosettes stays green during the hot summer months, hence the name Aeonium 'Irish Eyes'. The leaves are redder than in Aeonium 'Zwarzkop', one of its parents.
The flowers are small, yellow, and star-shaped and appear on older rosettes in large conical to ovoid clusters on stalks that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall in spring. The rosettes die after flowering.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium 'Garnet'
Light: A. 'Garnet' grows best in full sun to partial shade. Indoors, give it bright indirect light as much as possible. A leggy, stretched plant is a sign of not getting enough light.
Soil: While most succulents do well when planted in a potting mix specifically formulated for succulents, sandy loam or regular potting mix amended with perlite is better for A. 'Garnet' because it requires some more moisture.
Temperature: This succulent does not like hot or dry weather and may go dormant in summer. It prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 °F (18 and 24 °C). A. 'Garnet' can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: A. 'Garnet' requires more water than most succulents, but too much moisture will lead to root rot. In spring and fall, water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Water more sparingly in winter. The plant does not need to be watered during its dormancy in summer except in arid conditions.
Fertilizing: Feed your plant during the growing season with a half-strength balanced fertilizer once a month. Do not feed A. 'Garnet' when it is dormant in summer.
Repotting: If you are growing A. 'Garnet' in a container, repot every two to three years with fresh potting soil. Choose a container with drainage holes to avoid standing water and root rot.
Propagation: This succulent is very easy to propagate from cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is spring. Allow the cut end to dry for several days before placing it in the soil.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Toxicity of Aeonium 'Garnet'
A. 'Garnet' is non-toxic to humans and animals.
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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