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Aeonium arboreum (Tree Aeonium) – An attractive medium size succulent which forms branched stems to 3 feet tall with rosettes of many 2- to 3-inch-long green spathulate leaves at the tips of these stems – the general look is like a cluster of miniature palm trees. Yellow flowers form in long clusters in mid spring to early summer.
This plant grows well in full sun to part sun near the coast and partial shade inland. Water occasionally to infrequently – drought tolerant in coastal gardens and hardy to short duration temperatures from 25 to 27 degrees F. This plant is great along the ocean and tolerates drought and is reportedly resistant to deer predation. While not as unique as the red leafed selections this plant is a great addition to the garden where a green foliage plant is wanted and its tall bare stems holding the flatted rosettes can be appreciated.
Aeonium arboreum var. arboreum is native to Gran Carnaria Island in the Canary Islands and to the west coast of Morocco in northern Africa. The name Aeonium comes for Greek word 'aionion' or 'aionios' meaning immortal or everlasting for its succulent nature and presumed longevity and the specific epithet means "tree-like. It has also been commonly called Tree Houseleek This plant has been in cultivation in California since the early 20th century, though in early references was called Sempervivum arboreum. Plants in cultivation in mediterranean climate regions, including California, are considered to be a tetraploid race of Aeonium arboreum var. arboreum. According to the Flora of North America it has naturalized widely in the Mediterranean region, but in California has only done so on the coast in Los Angeles and San Diego counties, where it can be found "about trash heaps and old gardens".
We also grow the red leafed selections of this species Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum', Aeonium arboreum 'Electra' and Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' and Aeonium arboreum hybrids Aeonium 'Blackbeard', Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty', Aeonium 'Cyclops', Aeonium 'Jack Catlin', Aeonium 'Plum Purdy', Aeonium 'Purple Queen', Aeonium 'Superb' and Aeonium 'Voodoo'.
This information about Aeonium arboreum displayed on this web page is based on research we have conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations we have made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how our crops have performed in containers in the nursery field. Where appropriate, we will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.
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