Aeonium 'Mardi Gras'

Scientific Name

Aeonium 'Mardi Gras'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium

Description

Aeonium 'Mardi Gras' is an attractive succulent that forms rosettes of lemon yellow leaves with emerald green midstripes combined with ruby rose, especially when grown in bright light or cooler temperatures, offering a very striking accent. Flowers are star-shaped, bright yellow, and appear in a capitate inflorescence rising just above the foliage in spring.

Etymology

The hybrid epithet refers to the colorful Mardi Gras festival for its magnificent tricolor variegation.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

Aeonium 'Mardi Gras' — *Photo via huntington.org*

How to Grow and Care

Aeoniums do not like hot or dry weather. In summer, they may go dormant 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 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.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.

Origin

This succulent is an Altman Plants original hybrid created by Renee O'Connell. It results from the cross between an unnamed Aeonium hybrid and Aeonium 'Velour'.

Photo Gallery

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