Prefers a sunny area in well-drained soil. Water occasionally to very little in coastal gardens. Is cold hardy to around 28° F or a bit less for short durations dips below freezing. This small shrub like plant is great as a container plant or in the succulent garden or mixed with other mediterranean climate plants and as with other Aeonium, it gives an "other-world" effect, especially when planted in groups.

Aeonium decorum is widespread on the island of Gomera in the Canary islands where it can be found from sea level to over 2,500 feet. 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 is from the Latin word 'decorus' meaning "graceful" or "noble". We have long had this plant in our collection, and it weathered our 3 nights at 25° F in the January 2007 freeze. This form is a bit taller growing with smaller rosettes of a richer green color and lacking a red midstripe compared to another form of this species that we grow called Aeonium decorum 'Berry Nice'. We received Aeonium decorum in 2005 from Santa Barbara succulent grower Diane Dunhill. 

This information about Aeonium decorum 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.