Aeonium hierrense, commonly known as the El Hierro Giant Houseleek, is a majestic, monocarpic succulent endemic to El Hierro in the Canary Islands. It forms some of the largest rosettes in the Aeonium genus.
Taxonomy of Aeonium hierrense
Scientific Name
Aeonium hierrense (R.P.Murray) Pit. & Proust.
Synonym(s)
Sempervivum hierrense
Common Name(s)
El Hierro Giant Houseleek
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The generic name "Aeonium" (pronounced "ee-OH-nee-um") means "long-lasting" and refers to the enduring, perennial nature of the plants in this genus.
The specific epithet "hierrense" (pronounced "hi-er-REN-see") means "of or from Hierro" and refers to El Hierro, the second-smallest of the Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain.
Description
Aeonium hierrense is a beautiful succulent with a smooth, usually unbranched or rarely few-branched stem topped with a large rosette of green, strongly glaucous leaves with pinkish or reddish margins adorned with fine hairs. The plant can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, while the flattish rosettes can reach a diameter of 24 inches (60 cm). The leaves are obovate or oblanceolate, measuring up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 3.2 inches (8 cm) wide.
After three or more years, a dome-shaped flower head of many star-shaped, 6- to 9-merous flowers appears on a stalk that can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall, usually in spring. The flower head can reach 20 inches (50 cm) in height and diameter. The flowers are whitish, with the median part often pinkish. This plant is monocarpic, which means it dies after flowering.
Origin
Aeonium hierrense is native to El Hierro, the second-smallest of the Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain. It grows in exposed, sunny locations on rocky soils in the eastern and central parts of El Hierro at elevations of about 3,940 feet (1,200 m).
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium hierrense
Light: Aeonium hierrense thrives in full sun to partial shade, but in summer, it may need light shade, especially during the hotter afternoon hours. When growing indoors, ensure it receives as much bright indirect light as possible to prevent it from becoming leggy and stretched.
Soil: Unlike most succulents, this plant requires sandy loam or a standard potting soil amended with perlite. Avoid pre-made succulent mixes, as they typically hold less moisture than this plant needs.
Temperature: Aeonium hierrense does not like hot or dry weather, so it may go dormant in summer. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25°F to 50°F (-3.9°C to 10°C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly in spring and fall, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. Water it more sparingly during the winter. While this plant needs more water than most succulents, too much moisture can cause root rot. Stop watering except in arid conditions during summer dormancy.
Fertilizing: To promote healthy growth, apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Feed only during the growing season.
Repotting: If growing Aeonium hierrense in a container, repot it every 2 to 3 years in spring. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate by taking cuttings in spring. Before planting, let the cut end dry for several days. You can also start it from seeds. For best results, sow the seeds in spring.
Learn more in "How to Grow and Care for Aeonium."
Toxicity of Aeonium hierrense
Aeonium hierrense is considered non-toxic, so it is safe for growing around children and pets.
Photo Gallery
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Aeonium.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.