Aeonium (Aeonium)

Aeoniums are architectural succulents native to the Canary Islands, producing perfect rosettes of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves on branching stems. Depending on the species or cultivar, foliage ranges from bright apple green to deep burgundy-black, with many selections showing striking bicolor variegation. Their sculptural form makes them stand out in container arrangements and succulent gardens alike, and they have an almost geometric quality that appeals to gardeners who appreciate structure in planting design.

Unlike most succulents, Aeoniums actively grow during the cooler, moister months and go semi-dormant in summer heat. This makes them unusually well-suited to the mild, rainy Oregon coast winters, where they can grow outdoors year-round in sheltered spots or in containers that can be moved inside during the coldest nights. They are more tolerant of moisture than desert succulents, but still require excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Grow in well-drained, gritty soil with bright light. In containers, use a cactus mix with added perlite. Aeoniums can live for many years, branching and expanding into impressive specimens. After producing their star-shaped flower spike (which rises from the center of the rosette), the flowering rosette dies, but side branches continue growing. They are slow to colonize but long-lived and endlessly interesting.