Aeonium canariense (Canary Island Aeonium)

Aeonium canariense is an impressive evergreen succulent with large velvety rosettes, 6-12 in. across (15-30 cm), of fleshy leaves. Fresh green when grown in part shade, the soft, fuzzy leaves become tinged with reddish pink when exposed to the sun.

Aeonium canariense is an impressive evergreen succulent with large velvety rosettes, 6-12 in. across (15-30 cm), of fleshy leaves. Fresh green when grown in part shade, the soft, fuzzy leaves become tinged with reddish pink when exposed to the sun. Attractive when not blooming, this Aeonium is particularly striking when it produces bright golden racemes of small, star-shaped flowers in summer. Similarly to Sempervivum (Hen & Chicks), this Aeonium offsets freely.

  • Grows into a shrub-like plant, up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide in areas where this plant is hardy enough to overwinter. If grown in containers, it will grow as large as the container allows.
  • Easily grown in sandy, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade and poor soils. While drought tolerant, Aeoniums require more regular watering than other succulents since they have a relatively small, shallow root system.
  • Aeoniums may go dormant in summer and do not require any water, except in excessively dry conditions. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. During the winter months, restrict water to just enough to keep the foliage from shriveling.
  • Aeoniums are monocarpic: the rosette flowers once and dies thereafter. However, it may take several years before this happens and not all rosettes bloom at the same time.
  • Excellent for rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Perfect for containers where spectacular floral arrangements can be created.
  • Deer resistant and salt tolerant.
  • Virtually pest and disease free
  • Propagate by seed sown at 66-75ºF (19-24ºC) in spring or by cuttings of rosettes kept at 64ºF (18ºC) and barely moist until rooted.
  • Native to the Canary Islands.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Heat Zones 4
– 9

Climate Zones 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus – Succulents
Plant Family Aeonium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 36″ (90cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Salt
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden