Aeonium ‘Sunburst’, also known as Copper Pinwheel, is a hybrid cultivar of the Aeonium genus of succulent plants. It is known for its unique variegated green and white leaves with a bright, coppery red edge. This species is a popular ornamental plant, grown for its attractive foliage and ease of care.
Aesthetic Appeal
Foliage
The leaves of Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ are arranged in a rosette pattern and are variegated green and white in color with a bright, coppery red edge. They are fleshy and thick, which helps the plant store water for long periods of dryness. The rosettes can grow up to 12 to 15 inches across and can be up to 2 feet tall. The stems are thick and woody, and the plant produces spikes of white flowers in the spring or summer. This species is monocarpic, meaning that it only flowers once, but it may produce many seeds to perpetuate the plant.
Climate
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is native to the Canary Islands and is used to a Mediterranean climate. It prefers full sun exposure in coastal areas, but it can also tolerate bright shade and occasional watering for best color. It is not frost hardy below 28 degrees F.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be planted in a container with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and root rot. Provide lean, loose, well-drained, sandy soil. Thrive in full sun in cool coastal areas; protect from reflected heat and harsh afternoon sun in hot summer areas.
Watering
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is drought-tolerant, but it can also tolerate regular irrigation as long as the soil is well-draining. Water regularly in the first growing season to establish the root system. Once established, it can tolerate drought, particularly in cooler regions. Avoid excess water during cooler months.
Hardiness
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is hardy to 25-30 degrees F and should be protected during anything chillier than a light frost.
Propagation
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ can be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings, best taken in the spring or summer, and planted in well-draining soil.
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ Death Bloom
Aeonium Sunburst is a striking succulent that is admired for its rosettes of variegated leaves. However, it is important to note that Aeonium Sunburst is monocarpic, which means that it only blooms once in its lifetime and then dies. The Aeonium death bloom is a natural and inevitable part of the plant’s life cycle. When the plant reaches maturity, it will produce a tall stalk with clusters of yellow flowers, which is a beautiful sight to behold. However, after the flowering is complete, the plant will gradually wither and die. While this may seem sad, it is important to remember that Aeonium Sunburst will produce offsets or “pups” before it dies, which can be used to propagate new plants and keep the cycle going.
Care
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is low maintenance and requires minimal care. Keep the plant in a sunny location, with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day. Fertilize the plant with a balanced succulent fertilizer during the growing season. It is somewhat deer resistant.
In conclusion, Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is a striking and colorful succulent plant that is easy to grow and maintain. Its variegated green and white leaves with a bright, coppery red edge add a unique touch of beauty to any space. With proper care, you can enjoy the beauty of Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ for many years, although it is monocarpic and flowers only once.
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is a popular cultivar of the Aeonium genus known for its unique variegated green and white leaves with a bright, coppery red edge. It is a hardy and easy to care for plant that is popular among succulent enthusiasts. However, it is also known for its ability to develop a unique growth habit known as “cresting.”
Cresting is a natural mutation that occurs in some Aeonium cultivars, including ‘Sunburst’, where the plant’s growth is flattened and elongated, creating a fan-like shape. This is caused by a mutation in the stem cells that results in the stem becoming wider than it is tall. Cresting can happen naturally or can be artificially induced by cutting the stem of the plant and placing it in a flat position.
The crested form of Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ creates an unusual and striking appearance, with its flattened fan-like shape and brightly colored leaves. It can be used as an interesting focal point in a succulent garden or container, and it can also be used in bonsai and other miniature gardening styles.
However, it is important to note that crested plants do not grow as vigorously as non-crested plants, and they may have a shorter lifespan. They also require a bit more maintenance to keep them looking their best. The crested form of Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ should be protected from the frost and should be kept in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
In summary, Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is a unique and colorful succulent that is known for its ability to develop a crested growth habit. Cresting is a natural mutation that creates a flattened fan-like shape, and it can be artificially induced by cutting the stem of the plant. While crested Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ plants are interesting and striking, they require a bit more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan.
Aeonium 'Sunburst' Care Guide
Growing Season:
Winter
Dormant Season:
Summer
- Hardy to USDA Zone: 10a
- Size: Up to 24" tall
- Foliage: Green/Yellow/Pink
- Flower: White
- Propagation: Stem cuttings, offsets
- Light: Full sun, bright shade
- Water: Drench & Dry
- Soil: Gritty, mostly inorganic, quickly draining
- Origin: Canary Islands
About Aeonium 'Sunburst'
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is a total stunner in the garden. The rosettes are hard to miss with their pastel tri-color leaves.
If grown in the ground, Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ can grow to over 2 feet tall.
Take your Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ cuttings in the cooler fall months if you want to propagate it. The top will root easily in dry succulent soil and new babies will form on the stump.
Where to Buy Succulents Online
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Please note that Aeonium species don’t ship well and bruise extremely easy no matter how much care the seller takes to ensure protection. With time, it will bounce back as old leaves shed and new ones grow in.
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