Aeonium 'Pink Witch' Crest

Aeonium 'Pink Witch' Crest combines the remarkable pink, cream and green variegation of 'Pink Witch' with an extraordinary crested growth habit. Instead of developing only conventional individual rosettes, the growing point has broadened through fasciation, producing densely packed, undulating growth covered in numerous small leaves. The result is a highly sculptural specimen whose appearance becomes increasingly intricate as the crest develops.

Variegation Across the Crest

The tightly arranged foliage creates a very different presentation from the regular Aeonium 'Pink Witch'. Green remains particularly evident through portions of the younger growth, while cream and pink variegation traces the multitude of leaves surrounding the crest. As light, temperature and growth activity change, the balance and intensity of these colours can alter substantially.

The photographs show this beautifully: rather than the orderly radial symmetry of a normal Aeonium rosette, hundreds of closely spaced leaves follow the irregular contours of the crest, producing a textured mass of green and rich pink edged foliage.

Relationship to 'Blushing Beauty'

'Pink Witch' is widely regarded by specialist growers as a variegated derivative or mutation of Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'. While this relationship is frequently reported in horticultural sources, the early history of 'Pink Witch' is not documented sufficiently well for its precise origin to be treated as established fact.

That makes the crested form especially interesting: it represents another dramatic departure from the conventional growth associated with this horticultural line, combining variegation with fasciation in the same plant.

Growing a Crested Aeonium

Grow in a very free-draining succulent mix with good airflow and bright light. Aeoniums generally make their strongest growth during the cooler months and slow considerably during hot weather. In Australian summers, protection from intense afternoon sun is particularly worthwhile with variegated growth, as the lighter portions of the leaves contain less chlorophyll and can be more vulnerable to scorching.

Its densely folded form makes 'Pink Witch' Crest particularly effective as a specimen plant where the developing structure can be viewed from several angles. No two mature crests develop in precisely the same way, giving individual plants considerable character.

Aeonium 'Pink Witch' Crested plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.