Aeonium sedifolium (Dwarf Aeonium) - A small succulent plant that grows to about 6 inches tall by up to a foot wide with delicate branching stems bearing small rosettes of ½ inch long rounded sticky lime-green leaves streaked with red stripes that radiate upward in the rosette, unlike most of the larger flat topped Aeonium. In spring appear the bright yellow star-shaped flowers.
Plant in full coastal sun to filtered light in a well-drained soil and protect from frost - seems hardy to short duration cold temperatures down to around 30 F. Has a summer dormancy where it is best kept fairly dry in shade though with some water it seems to keep its leaves - otherwise it will lose some of them after turning a burgundy red color. An interesting small succulent for mixed planters or a small spot in the rock garden or used as a natural bonsai plant in a small pot - will tumble a short way over a pot or top of a wall.
Aeonium sedifolium is native to the Canary Islands and this form with red striped leaves apparently comes from the south-eastern parts of La Palma Island. The name from the genus comes for Greek word 'aionion' or 'aionios' meaning immortal or everlasting for its succulent nature and presumed longevity. As the species name implies, this plant has leaves like that of the genus Sedum. Besides it being an attractive plant, this is one of the Aeonium species, with Aeonium lindleyi, that has long been reputed to be an antidote for Euphorbia latex skin and eye irritation, and that many collectors have keep it handy for this purpose. While this folk remedy might work, we recommend an emergency room hospital visit for such incidences, particularly when one gets Euphorbia latex in one's eyes. We grew this plant from 2009 until 2022.
The information about Aeonium sedifolium displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include 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 we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |