Aeonium balsamiferum · Plant reference

About

Balsam aeonium is a shrubby succulent with sticky leaves from Lanzarote in the eastern Canary Islands. It is assessed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Pet safety: Not recorded. We have no source on whether this plant is safe for cats, dogs or other pets — that is not the same as safe. Keep it out of reach until you have checked.
People: Not recorded.

Water: Water moderately while in growth. Many aeoniums go semi-dormant in very hot summers, so avoid overwatering then. General guidance for the genus
Temperature: Overwinter frost-free at about 6–10 °C; the RHS trial kept cold-sensitive plants at 10 °C. General guidance for the genus
Soil: Very free-draining, gritty compost; the RHS trial used about one part grit to five parts compost, topped with gravel. General guidance for the genus
Hardiness: RHS H1c: frost-tender, can stand outdoors in summer in most of the UK but needs protection in winter. General guidance for the genus

“General guidance for the genus” marks advice sourced for the genus as a whole rather than this species.

A shrub with sticky leaves in rosettes up to 20 cm across, bearing pale yellow flowers.

Native to Lanzarote and naturalised on Fuerteventura, in shrubland and rocky places.

Received the RHS Award of Garden Merit in the RHS aeonium trial.

Described by Philip Barker Webb and Sabin Berthelot in their natural history of the Canary Islands, published in 1840.

Difficulty: Not recorded
Temperature: Overwinter frost-free at about 6–10 °C; the RHS trial kept cold-sensitive plants at 10 °C.