About
Aeonium simsii is a compact, evergreen succulent that typically reaches a height of up to 20 cm. It develops dense mats composed of numerous small rosettes. Each rosette features long, fleshy leaves that are green and taper to a point, with their edges adorned by fine, translucent hairs. When exposed to strong light, the leaves may acquire a reddish hue. In spring, this plant produces clusters of small yellow flowers that sit atop red stems, rising above the 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
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Houseplants, Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- 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
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- Canary Islands
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 seed or take rosette stem-tip softwood cuttings in early summer; wait until calluses have formed, then insert in sandy compost and in moderate light at 18°C, and keep just moist until rooted
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free