How to Grow Great Aeonium

There are many succulents that can be grown in your home garden or in containers. Most of these are uniquely beautiful. The family of succulents that are called Aeonium are no exception. Here are some tips to help you grow great Aeonium in your garden or in containers.

Aeonium is pronounced ay-OH-nee-um. It is in the Crassulaceae family. These plants originated in the Mediterranean islands and the western part of North Africa.

There are many varieties within the group Aeonium. They range in size from one large rosette that is about 16 inches across to large bushes. They all have glossy leaves that range in color from apple-green to a very dark maroon that is tinged with red.

The flowers of the Aeonium are usually yellow. They are small, but they make up for their size by being quite numerous. They are produced on the ends of the long stems of the plant. The season during which the plants will produce these lovely bloom varies among the different species. Each stem will produce blooms that will produce flowers over a long period of time. They can be cut and used in arrangements. However, if you are looking for a dramatic addition to your arrangements, the stems of leaves will do nicely.

Aeonium can be propagated by planting seeds or using cuttings. They are very easy to grow. The soil used in containers should be rich. If the soil in a bed is not rich in nutrients, try adding some organic materials. And, even though they are succulents, they need more water than others to grow well. The soil should be kept evenly moist. If they do not receive the water they need, they will not grow. And, if they do not receive any water, they will shrivel. They need full sun, but partial shade will do. If you live in a frost-free area, these plants will do well in your landscaping plans. If you plant them in a container, they will need plenty of room.

There are several species that are recommended. A. arboreum will become a large bush with multiple branches. It will produce glossy green rosettes and bright yellow flowers. The leaf stems do well in cut arrangements, lasing up to 3 weeks. The leaves will fall from the back of the rosette after they durn brown and curl up. The flowers will be produced in the winter and spring. A arborium 'atropurpureum' is another type of this species. It has rosettes that are dark maroon. It is a wonderful accent if you are using mostly green plants. A. arboreum 'Zwartkop' has black rosettes and will turn heads as another unusual addition to any planting.

A. haworthii, or pinwheel plant, is another recommended species of Aeonium. It grows into a rounded shrub of red-edged blue-green rosettes. The flowers appear in the spring. Another great choice is A lindleyi. It also grows into a small shrub that is about 1 foot in height The yellow flowers of this species appear in the summer months. A. tabuliforme is a low-growing and flat and has green rosettes that are up to 12 inches in diameter. This plant will produce yellow flowers in the summer.

Several of the species within this family would make stunning additions to any home garden. And, all of them are easy to grow. Hopefully, these tips will help you grow lovely specimins of Aeonium in your home garden.