About

Aeonium canariense var. virgineum is a succulent evergreen subshrub characterized by its compact growth habit. It features short stems that support rosettes of broad, spoon-shaped leaves, which have a subtle downy texture and a velvety green hue. Under full sun exposure, the leaf tips develop a reddish tint. During the summer months, mature rosettes send up spikes adorned with yellow-green flowers. Once flowering concludes, these spikes wither away, making room for new offshoots to emerge.

About the genus

Aeonium consists of evergreen succulents that typically grow in a shrubby form. They feature thick leaves arranged in rosettes at the tips of their branches. During blooming, these plants produce clusters of small, star-like flowers characterized by their slender petals.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Houseplants, Patio and container plants
Native to
Canary Is

Care notes

Cultivation
Best grown in containers, in a free-draining medium in part shade or bright filtered light. Water moderately when in growth, not at all when dormant, and feed 2 or 3 times during the growing season. Overwinter in a greenhouse, conservatory or indoors. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Pruning
No pruning required, though stems can be tipped during the growing period to promote a bushy habit
Propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings, kept at 18°C and barely moist until rooted
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free