Aeonium arboreum

Common Names

Tree Aeonium, Houseleek Tree, Irish Rose

Summary

Native to the Canary Islands, this evergreen succulent subshrub has thick woody stems and dense terminal rosettes of fleshy spoon-shaped leaves; rosettes measure about 10–25 cm across, with tall flowering stalks bearing yellow flowers; it is monocarpic, rosettes flowering once and then dying, though offsets help sustain the plant; notable cultivars include atropurpureum (Schwarzkopf/Zwartkop) with dark purple/black rosettes and albovariegatum with white margins.

Grows in well-drained soil with full sun to light shade; drought tolerant and frost tender, hardy in zones 9b–12; propagation by cuttings in spring; maintenance includes removing dry flower stems; uses include ornamental shrub, summer bedding, and containers; wind- and salt-tolerant.

Lifecycle

Perennial in warm climates, Annual in cold climates.

Height

3-4 ft

Spread

3-5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun to partial shade, with seasonal shift to full shade in hot months.

Soil Type

Well-drained, free-draining soil, often sandy or gritty, such as a cactus/succulent mix

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring (late winter to early spring)

Foliage Color

Green to purple/black, with varieties showing light green, deep green, burgundy/red, purple, brown-purple, and some variegated forms.

Fall Foliage Color

Green through to deep red and yellow.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Medium to fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer, Fall and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds