Aeonium 'Velour'

Scientific Name

Aeonium 'Velour'

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

Aeonium 'Velour' is a hybrid created by Jack Catlin in 1976. It results from a cross between Aeonium canariense and Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'. This plant is a sibling of Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'.

Description

Aeonium 'Velour' is an attractive succulent with bare branching stems adorned with rosettes of spoon-shaped, deep purple to mauve leaves with a lovely, velvety texture. It can grow up to 32 inches (80 cm) tall. During winter, the rosettes are typically green with some purple tones on the outer leaves.

Flowering has not been observed to date.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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 very dry 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 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.

Forms and Hybrids

Photo Gallery

Click on a photo to see a larger version.