Scientific Name
Aeonium urbicum (Chr. Sm. ex Hornem.) Webb & Berth.
Common Names
Saucer Plant
Synonyms
Sempervivum urbicum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Aeonium
Description
Aeonium urbicum is a rare robust succulent that makes one of the biggest flower heads you are ever going to see. It can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 m), and it is one of the tallest Aeoniums. Its pyramidal inflorescence grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall with an equal width. Flowers are pink or white, star-shaped, and appear in summer. It is strikingly architectural, even when not in bloom, which takes a few years, with long-leaved rosettes that grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter.
Photo via etsy.com
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. 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 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
Aeonium urbicum is native to Canary Islands (Tenerife).
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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