Aeonium Starburst

Aeonium 'Starbust' is a spectacular and attractive variety, with a bushy habit. Over time, it forms a small tree-like shrub resembling a bonsai with its "trunk" and short branches bearing the characteristic rosettes of the species. These rosettes are remarkable for their size, which can reach 40 cm in diameter. They are also eye-catching with their gorgeous yellow on green variegation, giving a luminous aspect to the plant. Tolerating brief frosts down to -3°C/-4°C, it can be planted in full sun in the south, under light shade in very hot regions. Plant it in a pot elsewhere to overwinter it indoors.

Aeonium is one of the 30 members of the Crassulaceae family, which hosts nearly 1400 species. These plants, often of small stature, are particularly adapted to drought, thanks to their unique metabolism within the plant kingdom. Many of them share a resemblance with their rosette leaf arrangement, such as the Sempervivum (Houseleek), well-suited to cold weather, or the Aeoniums, most of which come from the warm climate of the Canary Islands. The genus also includes numerous hybrids and horticultural varieties like 'Starbust', previously known as 'Lemon Lime'.
This cultivar appears to be a reversion of the 'Sunburst' variety which has an exactly opposite colouration, with a green central part bordered by a yellow margin. Some plants have been found bearing both variegations, validating this hypothesis (normally, a reversion involves the loss of variegation, with the plant reverting to the original green type). These hybrids are believed to be the result of a cross between A. mascaense, a highly branched bushy species native to Tenerife, and A. percarneum var. guiaense, another botanical species from the island of Gran Canaria. 'Starbust' adopts a tree-like silhouette, able to grow up to 70 cm in height over time. A specimen planted in the ground will commonly reach 50 cm in height and 40 cm in width within 10 years of planting and will continue to grow thereafter. The leaves are broadly spatulate, narrow at the base where they attach, widening significantly in the upper third to round off at the tip with a slight point. Their edges are finely serrated in micro-dentations, and they are imbricate, overlapping each other in the typical fashion for these plants. What is slightly unusual is the diameter the rosettes can reach, with the largest ones measuring up to 40 cm. It is possible to encourage the growth of the largest ones by removing some of the smaller ones. Adorned in a beautiful mint green colour, the leaf blade sports a yellow central band with irregular edges, creating a striking contrast. Depending on the light, a pink-red edging may also develop, enhancing the leaf and rosette patterns. Although rare, the plant may produce a summer flowering of white-yellow small flowers on a floral stem rising above the rosette.

Planted in a rockery in a mild climate with little frost, Aeonium 'Starbust' will undoubtedly attract attention in the garden with its beautiful variegation magnified by the large rosettes. You can create an even more striking scene by planting alongside it an Aeonium 'Schwartzkopf' with rosettes of an almost blackish purple that will contrast vividly with the green and yellow variegation. To maintain strong contrasts, add a specimen of the fabulous Senecio mandraliscae, whose bluish claws will gradually cover the ground, and if its delicate light yellow inflorescences seem too pale, choose from the range of Delosperma, creeping perennials with countless flowers boasting vibrant colours.