Aeonium spathulatum

spoon-leafed aeonium
Mini succulent shrub with branches tipped by rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves. Stalks of yellow star-shaped flowers cap a subset of branches in spring. Easy, charming, perfect in pots.
height 1–2ft
width 1–3ft
tolerates Coast, Cool Summers, Fog, Pots, Rooftops, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Aeoniums are from the Mediterranean climate zone and don’t appreciate heavy summer water, which can lead to root rot or overgrowth encouraging pests. They will look more lush with infrequent summer irrigation, retaining their winter leaves.

It is natural for aeonium heads to shed lower leaves during summer, becoming smaller and more compact. Once winter rains come the heads expand, adding many new leaves. This summer stress is a wonderful seasonal change in the Mediterranean garden.
hardy
to		 22F
exposure Full Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose 1/2 Strength
origin Canary Islands, Spain
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 14–17, 19–H1

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Most aeoniums are monocarpic, meaning that a head will die once it flowers, usually replaced by the lower suckers on clumping varieties. This can often be overcome by removing the flower (but leaving the stem that held it) once the flower is past peak bloom. It will take time, but with some luck you’ll get new growth along that stem instead of having it die completely.
Aeonium tend to be brittle, so should be kept back from high traffic areas where physical damage is a possibility.
When over fertilized aeoniums grow lush and soft, attracting aphids.

Special Interest

This aeonium is easily propagated from stem cuttings: Just snap a stem halfway down in the fall and plant it half of the way into your soil. Wait a week to water.