Aeonium
By Ardis Neilsen UCCE Master Gardener
Aeonium haworthii ‘Kiwi' - an award- winning succulent
Common Names: Aeonium kiwi, pinwheel, tree houseleek, Irish rose
Scientific Name: Aeonium haworthii ‘Kiwi'
Planting Area: USDA 9-11
Size: width 2-3 feet, height 2-3 feet
Growing Season: perennial, year around
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Pruning Needs: to maintain shape and propagate
Water Needs: moderate
Aeonium haworthii ‘kiwi,' an award-winning hybrid succulent, originated from North Africa and the Canary Islands. England's Royal Horticulture Society designated this plant as a winner of the prestigious “Award of Garden Merit.” It is prized for its tri-colored rosettes and attractive symmetrical shape.
A pink or red ribbon borders the rosette's soft green and creamy yellow petals. The petals are spoon shaped, serrated and grow from one to five inches in diameter. Short slender stems support the rosettes.
Its white or yellow conical flowers bloom during late spring. Since an Aeonium kiwi is monocarpic, once a rosette flowers, the rosette dies. New growth, “pups,” will replace the dead rosette. These pups can be transplanted to ensure the succulent's continued survival.
Aeonium kiwi grows well in coastal and inland Mediterranean climates. Brief periods of frost are tolerated by this hardy but delicate-looking plant.
It prefers direct sunlight when grown in coastal areas and partial shade inland. If the succulent doesn't receive enough sun, the vibrant red leaf border won't appear. If placed by a window with indirect light, Aeoniums can be grown as houseplants.
This succulent prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil. If grown in a pot, use a succulent or cactus potting soil.
This small shrub's shallow root system requires more frequent but light watering as opposed to infrequent, deep watering, which most succulents typically need. Water as soon as the top inch of soil feels dry.
The plant may go partially dormant during summer, so less water is required. Though if grown in a hot, dry environment, do not decrease watering. Summer might cause some leaf drop. The plant might appear to be dying, but it will rebound in August.
Aeoniums are easy to propagate by cuttings. Propagate during winter when its growth cycle peaks. Start the process by cutting a rosette with a sharp knife, wait for a callus to appear on its stem, insert the cutting into sandy compost, and place in moderate light. Keep the cutting moist until rooted.
This aeonium is pet friendly, deer resistant, salt tolerant, and disease free.
Adding this easy-to-grow succulent to your garden will bring beautiful shape and striking color to your landscape.
Advice to Grow By Workshops
Our next workshop will be August 19th, 2023, at 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. in our Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden at 2154 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. The topic will be “Fire Safe Landscaping.” The workshop is free and open to the public. Docents will be available after the workshop until 1:00 pm. If inclement weather, the workshop will be cancelled.
Other ways to see or reach us:
You can view workshops on Instagram live at slo mg or visit our You Tube channel at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners.”
Visit our website at ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/ or email questions to anrmgslo@ucanr.edu.
UCCE Master Gardener Helpline offices:
San Luis Obispo: 805-781-5939 (Monday and Thursday 1:00 to 5:00)
Arroyo Grande: 805-473-7190 (Wednesday 10:00 to 12:00)
Templeton: 805-434-4105 (Wednesday 9:00 to 12:00)