Aeonium 'Sunburst'

Scientific Name

Aeonium 'Sunburst'

Common Name(s)

Copper Pinwheel

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

Aeonium 'Sunburst' is probably a variegated cultivar of Aeonium davidbramwellii. It was first introduced by the Huntington Botanic Garden in 1993 as Aeonium decorum 'Sunburst'. However, in 2002, they announced that this plant is not attributable to Aeonium decorum and should be referred to simply as Aeonium 'Sunburst' until its specific affinities can be determined.

Description

Aeonium 'Sunburst' is a succulent shrub that forms beautiful rosettes of variegated, spoon-shaped leaves on bare, grey branches. It can grow up to 28 inches (70 cm) tall. The leaves are green with irregular creamy-yellow outer portions and become reddish-pink along the edges when exposed to full sun. The rosettes can reach a diameter of 8 inches (20 cm).

The flowers are small, star-shaped, range in color from whitish to pale yellow, and appear in large conical clusters in spring. This plant is monocarpic, meaning the rosette dies after flowering.

Aeonium 'Sunburst', commonly known as Copper Pinwheel — Private collection, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Photo by Khamsouk Khamsouk. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

How to Grow and Care for Aeonium 'Sunburst'

Light: Aeonium 'Sunburst' thrives in full sun to partial shade, but in summer, light shade may be necessary, especially during the hotter afternoon hours. When growing indoors, ensure it receives as much bright indirect light as possible to prevent the plant from becoming leggy and stretched.

Soil: Unlike most succulents, this plant requires a sandy loam or regular potting soil amended with perlite. Avoid placing it in premade soil mixes designed for succulents since it needs more moisture than they typically provide.

Temperature: Aeonium 'Sunburst' does not like hot or dry weather, so it may go dormant in summer. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).

Watering: Water the plant thoroughly in spring and fall, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. During the winter, water it more sparingly. Although this plant requires more water than most succulents, too much moisture can lead to root rot. During its dormancy in summer, stop watering except in arid conditions.

Fertilizing: To stimulate growth and improve the plant's appearance, apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength only during the growing season.

Repotting: If growing Aeonium 'Sunburst' in a container, repot it every two to three years during the spring. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Take cuttings in spring and allow the cut end to dry for several days before planting.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.

Toxicity of Aeonium 'Sunburst'

Aeonium 'Sunburst' is considered non-toxic, so it is safe for growing around children and pets.

Forms of Aeonium 'Sunburst'

Photo Gallery

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