Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Jack Catlin'
Common Name(s)
Red Aeonium
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Origin
Aeonium 'Jack Catlin' is a hybrid created by Jack Catlin and named for him by G. Lyons. It is a sibling of Aeonium 'Garnet' and Aeonium 'Zwartkin' and results from a cross between Aeonium tabuliforme and Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'.
Description
Aeonium 'Jack Catlin' is a branched succulent that forms attractive low clumps of colorful rosettes at the end of short branches. It can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall, eventually spreading to form a lovely mound. The rosettes can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The leaves are fleshy, glossy green towards the middle, and reddish toward the tips. The red color turns rich red after new growth hardens off in the late spring.
The small, bright yellow flowers are star-shaped and appear in spring in a large conical raceme on a stalk above the foliage. The branch bearing the flower dies to the ground.
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. 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 grow them in containers, repot them with fresh potting soil every 2 to 3 years.
Feed the plant with a half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so during the growing season. Do not feed it while it is dormant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Hybrids
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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