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Aeonium simsii (Sims Aeonium) - A dense low growing and well branched succulent that stays under 1 foot tall with a dense mat of 8-inch-wide rosettes of bright green strap shaped leaves that have pointed tips. The lower leaf surfaces are decorated by short dark green longitudinal dashes and the upper by a central marron line down the middle with fine nearly translucent white hairs along the margins. In late spring the showy bright yellow flowers are held in nearly flat-topped clusters rising 6 to 12 inches above the leaves on a stout reddish stalk.
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).
The information about Aeonium simsii that is displayed on this web page is based on research conducted in our nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We will also include observations made about this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We also incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they share cultural information that aids others growing this plant.
Please note that after 46 years in business, San Marcos Growers will be discontinuing nursery operations by the end of 2025 and the property will be developed for affordable housing.
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