Aeonium percarneum

Scientific Name

Aeonium percarneum (R.P.Murray) Pit. & Proust.

Synonym(s)

Sempervivum percarneum, Aldasorea percarnea

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

This species is native to the Canary Islands.

Description

Aeonium percarneum is a few-branched succulent shrub that forms rosettes of dark green leaves at the end of the branches. It grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. The rosettes are flattish and up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Branches are ascending and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. Leaves are spoon-shaped, up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide. They are often reddish along the margin. The nicely dense pyramidal inflorescences bear star-shaped rose-white flowers.

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 are growing them in containers, repot them 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.

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