About

Aeonium 'Firecracker' is a compact, evergreen succulent that can reach heights of up to 40 cm. This variety exhibits greater hardiness compared to some of its relatives, developing a branching structure filled with thick, fleshy leaves that display a mix of dark red and green in its rosettes.

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
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1C

Plant details

Plant type
Bedding, 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
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in pots of peat-free, loam-based compost with added extra grit. Position in a sunny spot for the best leaf colouration; aeonium will tolerate some shade but the leaves become green. Water moderately when in growth, not at all when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times during the growing season. In winter move plants to a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by cuttings of rosettes kept at 18°C and barely moist until rooted
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free