Aeonium canariense aka Canary Islands Aeonium

Aeonium canariense is an evergreen succulent from the Canary Islands. It belongs to the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. Its native range has a subtropical climate. Common names include Canary Island aeonium and giant velvet rose. Gardeners may also find it under the name Aeonium giganteum. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Large rosettes of bright green, fleshy leaves shape this plant. As each rosette rises, it leaves a bare stem below. Growth is slow, with maturity reached in five to ten years. In pots, plants reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall. Their spread can also reach 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Wild plants may grow to 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall. The plant can form mats or develop an upright shape. Cutting off the top prompts side shoots and bushier growth. Yet it needs no routine pruning to maintain its form.

Older plants may produce heads of yellow-green flowers. The RHS reports that the plant dies after flowering. Its evergreen leaves provide interest before these flowers appear. The bold rosettes suit planting schemes that stress shape and structure. The RHS lists it for city gardens, courtyards and coastal settings. It also suits pots on patios and use as a houseplant. Conservatories and greenhouses offer other places to grow it.

Give this plant a bright spot and soil that drains well. The RHS lists both full sun and partial shade as suitable. Choose a sheltered position rather than an exposed site. Sandy or loamy soil suits it. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soil conditions. Its listed moisture range runs from dry to moist. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H2. This means it tolerates cool conditions but cannot survive freezing. Protect it from frost when choosing where to keep it.

Aphids and mealybugs are pests to watch for. The RHS reports few disease problems for this species. Grow new plants from seed or from rosette cuttings. Sow seed in spring at 19–24°C. Keep rosette cuttings at 18°C while they take root. Keep those cuttings barely moist until roots develop. The supplied sources give no guidance on eating this plant. They also provide no species-level assessment of its toxicity.