Scientific Name
Aeonium nobile (Praeger) Praeger
Common Name(s)
Noble Aeonium
Synonym(s)
Sempervivum nobile, Megalonium nobile
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Description
Aeonium nobile is a succulent plant that forms a large solitary rosette of thick fleshy yellowish-green leaves, occasionally reddish or brownish, especially along the margins. The rosette grows up to 32 inches (80 cm) in diameter. Leaves are up to 20 inches (50 cm) long and 7.2 inches (18 cm) wide.
After several years the rosette matures and produces a large inflorescence that rises on a red stalk to display a flattened capitate head with many small red star-shaped flowers. The flower head is up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter. Flowers are whitish, intensely reddish variegated, and appear from late winter to spring. The rosette dies after flowering.
This species is another that does not offset, but you can cut the center out to force offsets in the middle.
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 really 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 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
Aeonium nobile is native to the Canary Islands.
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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