Aeonium Sunburst

This beautiful succulent with its large rosettes made of grey-green and cream white colored leaves that are edged in hues of bright and pink-red resembles a ray of sunshine and explains why it is named Aeonium Sunburst. Another name for the succulent plant is Copper Pinwheel. 

Succulent growers and horticulturists love this variety from the Aeonium genus for its elegant and cheerful appearance. In 2012, the succulent won the Garden Merit Award from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Aeonium Sunburst produces white flowers in the summertime. As a monocarpic, the main plant will die after it blooms. The good news is that it is easy to propagate the species.

Copper Pinwheel can grow up to 18-inches (46cm) tall and 24-inches (61cm) wide. The plant comes from the Crassulaceae family and is native to the Canary Islands. 

General Information:

Also known as: Copper Pinwheel, Tree Aeonium, Tree Houseleek
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Canary Islands
Height: 18-inches (46cm) tall
Exposure: Partial to light sunlight up to 6 hours per day
Water Needs: Water only when soil is dry to the touch, little watering during the winter months.
Soil Type: Regular potting mix or sandy loam.
Soil pH: Neutral (6.6 to 7.3 pH)
Tolerance: Drought

How to Grow and Care for Aeonium Sunburst

Aeonium sunburst is not a cold-hardy succulent. It is better to grow the plant indoors if the temperature in your region drops below 30° F (-1.1° C).

1.   Sunlight

Contrary to its name, Aeonium sunburst can get sunburned if directly exposed to the hot, strong rays of the sun. Although the “bruising” on its leaves will not harm it, the plant will do better in partial sun.

If you want Copper Pinwheel to adorn your succulent garden, plant it in an area that gets 6 hours of full to partial light from the morning sun.

If indoors, do not place Aeonium sunburst near a window that reflects the mid-day or afternoon sun. Under this condition, the succulent’s leaves can still get sunburned.

2.   Watering

Aeonium sunburst has the same watering needs of the typical succulent. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.

Restrict its watering schedule during the winter when the soil remains moist for a longer period of time.

3.   Pot and Soil

A ceramic pot would be the best choice for Aeonium sunburst because it allows better air circulation and evaporation of excess moisture. Make sure the pot has good drainage.

For soil, use a regular potting mix or sandy loam because Aeonium sunburst prefers a bit more moisture than other succulents.

Add fertilizer to the soil during the growing season. The fertilizer should be diluted to ¼ its original strength before adding it to the soil.

How to Propagate Aeonium Sunburst

Aeonium sunburst can be propagated from cuttings. Once the plant starts to produce flowers, take cuttings to begin the propagation process before Copper Pinwheel dies.

Step 1 – Use a sterilized and sharpened knife or garden shears to remove the cuttings from the main plant.

Step 2 – Place the cuttings in a dry and shaded location to allow it to develop calluses.

Step 3 – Once the cuttings have hardened, place it on well-draining soil.

Step 4 – Water the soil whenever it has dried out completely. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated on June 10, 2022 by Sofia Lara