Blushing Beauty Aeonium Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'
ABOUT
Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' is an attractive succulent known for its colorful and showy rosettes. This plant features compact clusters of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that have a glossy appearance. The leaves are arranged in a tight rosette pattern that forms a symmetrical and organized structure. The coloration of the leaves is particularly striking with green at the base that gradually transitions to pink and then a deep red at the tips, giving the impression that the plant is blushing, especially when exposed to bright sunlight or cooler temperatures. The combination of green and red hues creates a beautiful contrast against the backdrop of other garden plants or when planted in a container. The surface of each leaf is smooth to the touch, which adds to the plant's elegant appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae.
Synonyms
Blushing Beauty Aeonium, Copper Pinwheel, Desert Pinwheel, Red Aeonium, Blush Aeonium.
Common names
Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'
ToxicityTo humans
Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While the Aeonium genus does not typically contain poisonous substances, it is still not advisable to ingest any part of the plant as it is not intended for human consumption and may cause a reaction in sensitive individuals or lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' is not known to be toxic to pets. It's generally safe for cats and dogs, but as with humans, it is not intended for animal consumption. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, though this is not common. It's always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Care For - The Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require frequent watering.
- Drought-Tolerant - It is well-suited to arid climates and can survive periods without water.
- Adds Aesthetic Appeal - With its attractive rosettes and blushing pink edges, it can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or indoor space.
- Adaptability - Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' can grow in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
- Non-Toxic - The plant is safe to keep around pets and children as it is non-toxic.
- Propagation - It can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing you to expand your collection or share with friends.
- Versatile - This Aeonium can be grown in containers, rock gardens, or as part of a succulent display.
- Evergreen - It remains green throughout the year, providing a constant display of foliage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' can be used as a living mulch in garden beds, where their foliage helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- The plant can be incorporated into green roofing projects as it is drought-tolerant and can thrive in shallow, poor soils often found on roofs.
- It can serve as a natural way to signal seasonal changes in a garden, as its leaves can change color with temperature shifts.
- The thick succulent leaves can be used in floral arrangements to add texture and an exotic look.
- As a part of sensory gardens, the unique texture and form of Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' can provide a tactile experience.
- The succulent can be used in educational settings to teach about water-conservation practices in horticulture.
- When planted in containers, this Aeonium can act as a natural art piece due to its rosette pattern and color, enhancing balconies, patios, or indoor spaces.
- It can be used to create a 'living sculpture' when multiple plants are grouped together in a geometric fashion in landscape design.
- As part of a butterfly garden, while not the primary attractant, they can add structure and color contrast to support other nectar plants.
- Used in bonsai practices, Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' can be grown as a succulent bonsai specimen, showcasing its woody stems and rosettes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Aeonium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Aeonium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty', like other succulents, has the ability to store water and endure harsh conditions, symbolizing the ability to thrive despite challenges.
- Unique Beauty: The rosette patterns and blush-colored leaves of this plant are distinctive, representing the importance of embracing one's individuality and unique beauty.
- Adaptability: This plant's ability to adapt to various environmental conditions serves as a metaphor for flexibility and adaptability in life.
- Timelessness: Aeoniums are perennial plants, often symbolizing enduring affections and everlasting nature.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, succulents are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity because of their long-lasting nature.
WaterThe Blushing Beauty Aeonium should be watered deeply but infrequently, favoring a thorough soaking while ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot. During the active growing season, in spring and autumn, water the plant approximately every 7 to 10 days, depending on the climate and weather conditions. During the dormant summer months, reduce watering to once a month or when the soil is completely dry. Each time you water, aim to provide enough water to soak the soil to a depth of around 2 inches, which may correspond to between 8 to 16 ounces for a medium-sized pot.
LightBlushing Beauty Aeonium thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive plenty of light throughout the day but be shielded from the intense midday sun, which can scorch its leaves. A location facing east or west that receives soft sunlight in the morning or late afternoon is usually best.
TemperatureFor Blushing Beauty Aeonium, maintain an ideal temperature range between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees but should be protected from frost. It can endure up to around 80 degrees but may need shading from intense heat, especially in the peak of summer.
PruningPruning Blushing Beauty Aeonium is primarily done to remove any damaged or spent foliage and to encourage a compact, bushy growth habit. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth starts. Prune as needed, which may be only once a year, by cutting back overgrown stems to maintain shape and size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAeonium 'Blushing Beauty' thrives in a well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix with good aeration to prevent root rot. A cactus or succulent potting mix amended with perlite or pumice enhances drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingThe Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its container. This allows the plant to have fresh soil and prevents it from becoming root-bound.
Humidity & MistingAeonium 'Blushing Beauty' prefers a dry climate and does well in low humidity conditions. It can tolerate average indoor humidity levels but should be kept away from excessively humid areas such as bathrooms.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light; allow soil to dry between watering.
Outdoor
Place in partial sun; protect from frost and harsh midday sun.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleAeonium 'Blushing Beauty', commonly known as Blushing Beauty Aeonium, begins its life as a seed, germinating in warm conditions with proper moisture. Once the seedling emerges, it develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic rosettes of succulent leaves. The juvenile plant gradually matures into a fully-grown adult, expanding in size and producing more rosettes, often through branching. During its maturity, which can take several years, it will enter a flowering stage, typically in late winter to spring, where it sends up a tall flowering stalk with small star-shaped flowers. After blooming, which is the peak reproductive phase, the monocarpic rosettes that flowered will die, but the plant continues to live and reproduce vegetatively through offsets. Over time, the offsets grow into new mature rosettes, repeating the life cycle while the parent plant may slowly decline and eventually die after several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty', commonly known for its succulent features and rosettes, can be effectively propagated through stem cuttings, a popular method among gardeners. This process generally begins in the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most active. To propagate, a healthy stem is chosen and cut with a sharp, sterile knife, ideally a few inches long. Once cut, the stem is left to dry and callous over for a few days to prevent rot when planted. After the cut end has formed a callous, it is planted in a well-draining soil mix, where it should be kept lightly moist until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. This method allows for a straightforward and successful way to create new Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty' plants that will eventually grow to be just as robust and vibrant as the parent plant.
