Aeonium 'Big Bang' (v)
tree houseleek 'Big Bang'
A compact, succulent, evergreen subshrub to around 70cm in height, with a branching habit and large rosettes of variegated fleshy leaves, patterned irregularly with lime green and purple-black stripes. No two leaves are the same, making it an interesting houseplant. Mature rosettes produce spikes of small, star-shaped, pale yellow flowers in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Black Green Purple | ||
| Autumn | Black Green Purple | |||
| Winter | Black Green Purple |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Aeonium are evergreen succulents often of shrubby habit, with fleshy leaves in terminal rosettes on the shoots, and racemes or panicles of small, star-shaped flowers with numerous narrow petals
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in pots of peat-free, loam-based compost with added extra grit. Position in a sunny spot for the best leaf colouration; aeonium will tolerate some shade but the leaves become green. Water moderately when in growth, not at all when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times during the growing season. In winter move plants to a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 19-24ºC in spring or by cuttings of rosettes kept at 18ºC and barely moist until rooted
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Houseplants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil grubs and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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