Greenovia dodrentalis Variegated, now botanically accepted as Aeonium dodrantale, is a distinctive variegated form of the much-loved Canary Islands succulent commonly known as Mountain Rose. Its rounded, closely overlapping leaves form remarkably rose-like rosettes, while established plants readily develop multiple heads to create impressive clusters. The variegated form adds changing shades of yellow, cream and lime green that can look dramatically different according to the season.
Mountain Rose form and multi-headed growth
The beautifully layered rosettes are the defining feature of this plant, with rounded succulent leaves arranged around a tightly formed centre. As plants mature they produce offsets around the main rosettes and can develop into substantial multi-headed specimens. Our current Large plants are well-established clusters with numerous rosettes at different stages of development, giving them a much fuller appearance than younger plants.
Greenovia dodrantalis is the familiar horticultural name and remains widely used in succulent collections, although the species is now botanically accepted as Aeonium dodrantale. The species is native to the Canary Islands.
Seasonal variegation – an important characteristic
One of the most fascinating characteristics we have observed while growing this variegated form in our nursery is the dramatic seasonal change in its foliage. During the cooler growing period, particularly through winter, the new growth develops its strongest variegation, with bright yellow, cream and lime-green colouring contrasting beautifully across the rosettes. Plants can also grow surprisingly quickly during this active period.
As conditions become warmer through spring, the variegation gradually becomes less pronounced and the foliage develops a deeper green appearance. By summer, the variegation can become extremely subtle or may appear to disappear altogether. This does not necessarily mean that the plant has reverted. In our nursery, plants that appeared completely green during their summer dormancy have consistently produced strongly variegated growth again when cooler conditions returned and active growth resumed.
Customers receiving a greener plant should therefore not be concerned if its appearance differs from photographs taken during winter. This seasonal transformation is part of what we have found makes this particular variegated form so interesting to grow.
Summer dormancy and care
Unlike many succulents that make their strongest growth during summer, Aeonium dodrantale is adapted to a cooler-season growth cycle. As summer approaches, growth slows and the rosettes may become more compact as the plant enters its resting period.
In our Victorian conditions we find these plants respond particularly well to a cooler, shaded position during summer dormancy rather than exposure to intense full sun. Excessive heat and strong summer sun can stress the foliage and cause browning. Water should also be reduced while plants are dormant; avoid keeping the growing medium continually wet when the plant is not actively growing.
As cooler conditions return and growth recommences, watering can gradually increase according to the plant's needs. A free-draining succulent mix remains important throughout the year. During active cooler-season growth, good light helps maintain compact rosettes while allowing the developing variegation to show at its best.
We have also found that the end of dormancy is an excellent time to remove and replant some of the offsets. After carrying a cluster through its resting period, the older mother rosette can sometimes be slower to return to vigorous growth, while the younger offsets often establish quickly and produce particularly strong new growth. Separating and growing on some of these pups can therefore help rejuvenate the plant and begin a fresh growth cycle, while also providing insurance as the older rosettes mature.
Flowers
Mature plants can eventually produce yellow flowers from a flowering rosette. As with other Aeonium, an individual rosette that flowers is monocarpic and will die afterwards, but established multi-headed plants can continue through their remaining rosettes and offsets.
Greenovia Dodrentalis Variegated plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images 2 to 9. First image for display only, showing the stronger variegation typically seen during the cooler winter growing period. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.
