Aeonium: Planting, Growing and Care

Botany and description

Aeoniums are stunning succulent plants forming rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves. They comprise 57 species primarily native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, as well as North Africa and the Mediterranean basin. Naturally growing in these regions with very mild climates, Aeoniums are tender plants: they should only be planted outdoors in areas free from frost.

Aeonium spathulifolium: Botanical illustration

These are perennial or undershrubs that form thick, ramified stems bearing rosettes of fleshy leaves at their tips. Some species are stemless, forming their rosettes at ground level, similar to Echeverias and Houseleeks. Aeoniums come in numerous varieties, offering a wide range of original colours and a beautiful diversity of forms.

Aeoniums belong to the Crassulaceae family, like most succulent plants. This family notably includes Kalanchoes, Sedums, Echeverias and Houseleeks. The latter two plants even share a similar form to Aeoniums, with imbricate leaves arranged in rosettes.

Aeoniums measure between 20 cm and 1 m tall, depending on the variety and their habit: stemless species are obviously much shorter than those forming ramified stems. When grown outdoors in mild climates, Aeonium arboreum can even reach up to 2 m in height.

Aeoniums have evergreen foliage that remains decorative all year round. Their fleshy leaves allow them to store water and minerals to survive periods of drought.

The leaves are spatulate and imbricate. Generally, they are inserted more loosely than in Echeverias and Sedums, with space between each leaf in the same rank, forming less dense rosettes.

Aeonium leaves come in different colours depending on the variety: they can be green, red, purple, or black-brown… When the rosettes are red or purple, they are often light green at the centre, creating a lovely contrast. Some varieties are variegated: for example, Aeonium arboreum ‘Albovariegatum’ has green leaves marginate with creamy white, and Aeonium occidentale features leaves delicately striate with dark red.

Aeoniums display different colours depending on the variety! Aeonium arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’, Aeonium ‘Bing Thing’, Aeonium arboreum ‘Albovariegatum’ and Aeonium haworthii (photo: Michael Wolf)

The shape of the rosettes also varies between varieties. Aeonium tabuliforme is particularly striking: it forms flattened rosettes composed of numerous densely imbricate leaves arranged regularly in a quincunx pattern, creating a very harmonious rosette! Aeonium sediforme, on the other hand, bears small leaves reminiscent of Sedums!

Aeoniums flower in spring or summer. They then produce a long flower stem emerging from the centre of the rosette, bearing a dense, pyramidal panicle composed of numerous star-shaped flowers, usually yellow, sometimes creamy white, pink or orange. Small in size, the flowers measure between 8 and 15 mm in diameter. They consist of 7 to 12 fine, radiating petals surrounding the stamens and pistil. In dark-leaved varieties like ‘Schwarzkopf’, the yellow flowering creates a stunning contrast!

After flowering, the rosette that bore the flowers dies, but it is replaced by other rosettes on the plant (in plants with multiple rosettes; if the rosette is solitary, the plant dies completely).

The yellow flowering of Aeonium arboreum: inflorescence and flower detail (photos: Leighklotz / Kenpei), the white flowers of Aeonium canariense and pink flowers of Aeonium urbicum (photo: Gabriele Kothe-Heinrich)

The main varieties of Aeoniums

Most Popular Varieties

Our Favourite Varieties

Other Varieties to Discover

Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum Schwarzkopf

Aeonium ‘Schwarzkopf’ is one of the most widely grown and cherished varieties, remarkable for its very dark, deep purple, almost black colouring. The centre of the rosette is often slightly lighter, yellow-green. This variety will look superb when paired with other colourful Aeoniums or Echeverias to create beautiful contrasts!

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 80 cm

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Aeonium arboreum Cornish Tribute

This Aeonium forms a wide, low clump in the shape of a brightly coloured dome. It bears rosettes made up of long, deep red leaves around the edges and light green at the centre.

• Height at maturity 25 cm

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Aeonium arboreum Garnet

This Aeonium forms rosettes of succulent purplish-red leaves, light green at the centre. It is a cross-breeding between Aeonium tabuliforme and Aeonium arboreum ‘Schwarzkopf’.

• Flowering time May to July
• Height at maturity 1 m

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Aeonium arboreum Tip Top

This variety forms compact, highly ramified clumps, wider than they are tall. They bear a large number of rosettes measuring 3 to 6 cm in diameter, deep purple, contrasted with light green at the centre.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 30 cm

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Aeonium occidentale

This is a compact, low and spreading Aeonium, forming geometric and regular rosettes, 6 to 8 cm in diameter. They consist of spatulate green leaves marked with deep red striations.

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 20 cm

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Aeonium leucoblepharum

This is a very graphic Aeonium, originating from East Africa, forming rosettes made up of spatulate leaves of variable colour, typically green marked with reddish striations, sometimes tinged with yellow, pink or orange.

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 75 cm

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Aeonium arboreum Du Rozzen

Aeonium arboreum ‘Du Rozzen’ forms a rounded cushion made up of dense, intertwined rosettes, purple in colour, tinged with light green at the centre of the rosettes.

• Height at maturity 40 cm

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Planting Aeoniums

Where to plant?

Aeonium is a frost-tender plant: it can only be grown outdoors in regions unaffected by frost, particularly around the Mediterranean basin. It will thrive in a rockery or exotic dry garden alongside other succulents, cacti, agaves and yuccas. Elsewhere in the country, it should be grown in a pot so it can be brought under cover for winter.

Aeoniums enjoy full sun or partial shade and require well-drained soil, even stony or sandy, as they dislike waterlogged conditions. If planted outdoors, position them in a rockery or dry, mineral garden. Preferably place them on higher ground (a mound or slope) rather than in a hollow where water may collect.

Varieties with red or purple foliage will appreciate a sunny spot, which enhances their colour, while those with lighter leaves, such as those variegated with cream-yellow or white, prefer partial shade, as full sun may scorch their foliage.

If growing Aeonium in a pot, ideally place it in a conservatory, greenhouse, or indoors near a window to ensure good light levels. Insufficient light may cause etiolation. Note that Aeoniums dislike overheated interiors, so avoid placing them near radiators.

When to plant?

If planting outdoors, we recommend planting Aeonium in spring, around May, when temperatures are more favourable for establishment. Repotting is also best done in spring.

How to plant?

Outdoors:

1. Dig a planting hole at least twice the size of the root ball.
2. Backfill the base with soil mixed with coarse sand.
3. Gently remove the Aeonium from its pot and position it in the centre of the hole.
4. Fill around with soil, then lightly firm.
5. Water.
6. Apply a thin layer of mineral mulch, such as gravel, around the plant: this is decorative and helps keep the collar and basal leaves dry.

→ Read also: How to plant succulents outdoors in the garden?

In pots:

We recommend using a terracotta pot, as it provides better root aeration and drainage than plastic. This reduces the risk of root rot from excess moisture. Alternatively, a plastic pot will suffice, but watering should be more restrained. In all cases, ensure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

For container cultivation, use a mix of one-third compost, one-third coarse non-calcareous sand and one-third gravel, pumice or perlite.

1. Place a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the base for drainage.
2. Add some substrate, such as a mix of compost, coarse sand and pumice, or specialist cactus compost.
3. Position the Aeonium in the centre.
4. Fill around with substrate, then lightly firm.
5. Water.
6. Top-dress with a thin layer of coarse sand or fine gravel to keep the basal leaves dry.

Maintenance

Like other succulents, Aeoniums require little maintenance. They should be watered moderately, as they are sensitive to excess moisture, which could cause their roots to rot. We recommend watering them about once a week from spring to autumn, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Also remember to empty any excess water from the saucer. Reduce watering in winter: once a month will suffice. Use rainwater if possible, as tap water may be too hard for Aeoniums.

In spring, you can apply a little cactus and succulent fertiliser, once a month. This will provide the Aeonium with the nutrients it needs to support its growth and encourage flowering.

If you grow Aeoniums in pots, we recommend moving them outdoors in spring, once the risk of frost has passed, placing them on a balcony, windowsill or terrace. This way, they can enjoy better light exposure in summer. Bring them back indoors in autumn, before the first cold spells, and place them in a bright spot, such as near a window. Ideally, keep them at a temperature of at least 10°C.

We recommend repotting Aeoniums every two to three years, preferably in spring.

Aeoniums are susceptible to mealybugs, especially when grown indoors. These pests are identified by small white, cotton-like clusters and feed on the plant’s sap, weakening it and potentially leading to sooty mould. You can remove them using a cotton swab dipped in 90% alcohol or soapy water. For more advice and information, check out our guide ‘Mealybugs: Identification and Treatment’.

Propagation

To propagate Aeonium, we recommend propagation by cuttings from leaves or stems.

Sowing

Aeonium seeds should be sown in spring.

1. Prepare a pot by filling it with a well-draining substrate.
2. Moisten the substrate.
3. Scatter the seeds on the surface. As they are very fine, you can mix them with sand beforehand to make sowing easier.
4. Lightly mist the seeds with water.
5. Place the pot in a sheltered spot, in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. The ideal temperature is between 19 and 24 °C.

Propagation by cuttings

Aeoniums are easy to propagate from leaf or stem cuttings.

1. For stem cuttings, choose a well-developed young plant and cut a stem with a rosette. For leaf cuttings, simply detach a few leaves from a young plant.
2. Allow the stem or leaves to dry for a few days in the open air, until a callus forms over the cut area.
3. Prepare a pot by filling it with a well-draining substrate, such as a mix of compost and coarse sand, or special cactus compost.
4. For a stem cutting, make a hole in the substrate using a pencil, then plant the stem and lightly firm the soil around it to ensure good contact. For a leaf cutting, simply place the leaves on the substrate without burying them.
5. Water lightly.
6. Place the pot in a sheltered spot.

For more tips and explanations, check out our tutorial ‘Propagating Cacti and Succulents from Cuttings’.

Association

As it thrives in mild climates, Aeonium will integrate perfectly into a Mediterranean garden. Create a stunning warm and exotic atmosphere by pairing it with agaves, yuccas, cordylines, and opuntias, which, like Aeonium, love warmth and well-drained, dry soil. These plants will stand out beautifully when incorporated into a rockery or raised bed bordered by a stone wall. To add height and volume, plant palm trees alongside them. Finally, introduce splashes of colour with the flowering of agapanthus, rockroses, lavender, and helianthemums.

Explore our full range of perennials and Mediterranean bushes.

Opuntia microdasys (photo: Stan Shebs), Aeonium arboreum (photo: Forest and Kim Starr), Agapanthus ‘Royal Velvet’, Chamaerops humilis ‘Cerifera’, Helianthemum ‘Elfenbeinglanz’, and Agave americana ‘Variegata’

Aeonium is also ideal for creating a potted arrangement alongside other succulent plants. This way, you can easily move it under shelter to protect it from winter cold. Choose a large, wide terracotta pot and plant the Aeonium with Crassula ovata (discover the unique variety ‘Hobbit’), Echeverias, kalanchoes, and sedums. Also consider Dyckia, a bromeliad with long, dentate, silvery-brown leaves. We recommend varying shapes and colours to create an original, miniature landscape-like composition. Add a layer of small gravel on the surface—it will insulate the plant collars from moisture while adding a decorative touch!

Discover our full range of cacti and succulents.

Pachyphytum (photo: Sabina Bajracharya), Aeonium, Crassula ovata ‘Sunset’, Dyckia, Sedum spathulifolium ‘Cape Blanco’, and Echeveria leucotricha