Aeonium arboreum Tip Top

Aeonium arboreum 'Tip Top' is an extremely aesthetic compact variety. This small succulent plant forms a perfect cushion, made up of a multitude of tightly packed rosettes with an geometric and graphic appearance. Closely packed together, these rosettes turn dark purple in the sun, while keeping a green heart, creating a happy contrast. Practically twice as wide as it is tall, this small Aeonium does not exceed 25 to 30cm (9.8 to 11.8in) in height, with its joined rosettes forming a dense mass of vegetation. Frost-sensitive, it must be overwintered in most parts of France, or protected in milder climates, and due to its limited root system, it needs to be watered more often than other varieties.

Aeoniums are succulent plants in the Crassulaceae family, which includes around 1500 species, many of which are of ornamental interest. Everyone knows the popular Kalanchoe with their vibrant flower bouquets that brighten up our interiors, or Echeveria which have been the highlight of mosaic culture, while sedums are essential in roof greening... We could also mention the friendly Joubarbes, or Sempervivum, which are part of our spontaneous flora despite their exotic appearance, and many more.

Aeoniums have a family resemblance that makes them easy to identify - at least as a genus, because when it comes to species or varieties, it's already more difficult, especially among the purples, many of which are descendants of 'Zwartkop'. The origin of 'Tip Top' remains quite mysterious, both in terms of the breeder - unknown - and the parents. We only have a trace in California, where it has been present since 2012, especially at the San Diego Botanic Garden. The same uncertainty prevails regarding its flowering, reputed to be yellow in late spring, but many nurserymen have not seen it in cultivation... In any case, it is a particularly aesthetic variety. 'Tip Top' is indeed perhaps the Aeonium that produces the most rosettes, of a relatively small size (3 to 6cm (1.2 to 2.4in)), even if sometimes one of them is struck by gigantism and grows more or less at the expense of the whole (it is enough then to cut it to provoke the appearance of new small shoots in its place). Although small in size, as it will measure a maximum of 30cm (11.8in) in height, 'Tip Top' produces a multitude of rosettes that press against each other, forming an impenetrable surface. Classically, in summer, leaves dry up as in other varieties, but they fail to fall, remaining trapped between the existing rosettes. It is then preferable to remove them by hand. The beauty of these rosettes lies in their colour, with the heart remaining green while the rest turns dark purple in summer. The spatulate leaves become darker and darker as they approach the periphery, giving this plant all its ornamental interest. With a spreading habit, up to 2 times its height, or nearly 60cm (23.6in), this variety is very suitable for hanging cultivation, which will highlight its morphology.
In the mildest climates of our territory, it should be planted in full sun, in poor and well-drained soil, as it will not tolerate winter if it is too humid! It will even be necessary to protect it with a non-woven cover if the temperature drops one or two degrees below 0°C (32 °F). This only applies to the mildest areas of France, as elsewhere, it will be imperative to overwinter it in a frost-free room with as much light as possible. It should be noted that this Aeonium is more sensitive to drought than others due to its weak root system. Therefore, it should be watered sufficiently regularly in hot weather.

Aeoniums are succulent plants of great ornamental value, and this small hybrid honors its group with its extremely dense and colourful habit. Planted in a pot, it will perfectly integrate into a contemporary environment, where the purity of its forms will make up for the rarity of its flowering. In climates mild enough to accommodate it in the ground, such as the French Riviera, it can create a strong visual impact in a mass planting of exotic plants. You can associate it with other graphic beauties like the magnificent Aloe aristata, whose geometric purity of foliage is equalled only by the beauty of its coral pink flowers. For a strong contrast, plant the astonishing Senecio 'Angel Wings' nearby, with white leaves on both sides due to the thick down that covers and protects them from drought. And of course, many cacti with their characteristic shapes, prickly pears, candles, spheres, will perfectly match the graphic style of your small Aeonium.