Plant in full coastal sun with some protection inland in a well-drained soil and irrigate occasionally to infrequently. This is one the hardier of the Aeoniums and can tolerate moderate frosts and short duration temperatures down into the low 20s° F. This is a nice groundcover succulent with attractive foliage and showy flowers that draws bees and butterflies to the garden. It is useful as a groundcover on hillsides, in tight spaces between rocks or in a large pot.

Aeonium simsii grows naturally in rocky sites at an elevation of about 5,000 feet on Gran Canaria, the largest island of Canary Island archipelago. The name Aeonium comes for Greek word 'aionion' or 'aionios' meaning immortal or everlasting for its succulent nature and presumed longevity. With its dense ground hugging habit, it is often commented that this plant more resembles a Sempervivum species rather than the typically larger forms of Aeonium that rise up on stems. In fact, this plant was first described in 1818 by Robert Sweet as Sempervivum simsii but moved to the genus Aeonium in 1951. The specific epithet honors the British doctor and botanist Dr. John Sims (1749-1831). 

This information about Aeonium simsii displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.