Aeonium haworthii

The Echeveria or Aeonium haworthii is a charming succulent plant native to the Canary Islands. This Aeonium forms a small bush with a graphic appearance, reminiscent of a bonsai, with a "trunk", "branches", and characteristic little rosettes. It grows quite slowly and can be recognized by its thick, imbricate leaves, which are grey-green with a red border. It is generally very resistant to bad weather, only fearing the cold. It can be grown outdoors in mild climates, tolerating brief freezes down to -4°C (24.8 °F). It likes to be dry but can tolerate humidity. It grows very well in pots, which can be overwintered to protect it from frost in colder regions. It is a fairly easy plant to grow, ideal for balconies or rock gardens.

Aeoniums are succulent plants in the Crassulaceae family, which includes about 1500 species, many of which have ornamental value. Everyone knows the popular Kalanchoes with their bouquets of bright flowers that brighten up our interiors, or Echeverias that have been a hit in mosaic culture, while Sedums are essential for green roofs... We could also mention the friendly Sempervivums, or Houseleeks, which are part of our spontaneous flora despite their exotic appearance, and many others.
Aeoniums have a family resemblance that makes them easy to identify, at least as a genus, though it's not so simple when it comes to species or variety. In nature, Aeonium haworthii grows on cliffs on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Accustomed to storms and difficult conditions, its aerial roots cling to poor soils. With a remarkable habit, like a dwarf bush or a bonsai, it reaches a height of 30 to 40cm. This plant is also remarkable for its graphic foliage, with rosettes of small, fleshy leaves that widen as they move away from the centre and abruptly taper to a point. The young leaves are tightly imbricate in the centre of the rosette and gradually open like a flower. The rosettes, about 6 to 8cm (2.4 to 3.1in) in diameter, also press against each other, forming a compact clump. A distinctive feature of this plant is the presence of dark red streaks on the leaves, usually forming a median line and sometimes also bordering the leaf.

This Aeonium is especially appreciated for its foliage, as its flowering is reputed to be even rarer in cultivation than in nature. It then takes the form of small star-shaped flowers in white-yellowish colours, arranged in corymbs above the mass of foliage.

In the mildest climates of our territory, it is advisable to plant this Aeonium in full sun, in poor and well-drained soil, as it will not withstand winter if its feet are in water! Like most other species, it tolerates drought well and is particularly suitable for container cultivation, which allows it to be protected in winter.

Aeoniums are a delight for lovers of succulent plants. Planted in a pot, it fits perfectly into a contemporary environment, thanks to the purity of its forms. In climates mild enough to accommodate it in the ground, such as on the French Riviera, it can be part of a dry garden, combined with the pads of Opuntias, some of which are hardier than it. In colder climates in winter, there is nothing to stop you from "cheating" and putting its pot in the ground to create the illusion that it is growing there, as is done in some botanical gardens. You can then create an exotic scene by adding plants hardier than it, which can spend the winter outdoors, such as the famous Yucca rostrata, which can easily withstand temperatures down to Orléans, or Cylindropuntia imbricata, even more resistant to cold and remarkable for its unique graphic habit. The remarkable Aloe striatula, undoubtedly the most cold-resistant of the genus, will also be a perfect companion.