Big Bang Aeonium

Big Bang Aeonium (Aeonium arboreum 'Big Bang') is a tree-like succulent about 50cm tall and wide, with flat rosettes of purple-black leaves splashed with apple green. Each branch carries its own rosette, and the plant adds more as it ages, so a young plant becomes a small sculpture in a pot or rockery. It is hardy and drought tolerant once established.

Why you'll love it

• Near black leaves, with a pattern. The dark foliage develops random green variegation, so no two rosettes look alike.
• A branching, tree-like habit. Branches rise from a central stem, each topped with its own rosette, which gives height and structure to a pot or a low bed.
• Hardy and drought tolerant. Once established it asks for very little water and gets on with life.
• It grows in winter. Aeoniums put on growth in the cooler months, so this one brightens pots when many plants are resting.
• Pots, rockeries and rooms. It suits rockeries and containers outdoors, and a bright spot indoors.

Where it works best

Rockeries and dry beds. Plant 50cm apart against pale stone or gravel, where the dark rosettes stand out sharply.

Pots and bowls. The branching shape adds height to a succulent arrangement, and a pot lets you control drainage and winter protection.

Bright indoor spots. Give it a sunny window or a well lit room with morning sun, and a pot with drainage holes.

Growing Big Bang Aeonium in Australia

Position and climate. A bright position with morning sun, shielded from hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. It suits warm temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical gardens, and tolerates only a light frost, so in frosty areas grow it in a pot and move it under cover for winter.

Soil. Well drained soil is essential. In pots, use a gritty cactus and succulent mix so the roots never sit wet.

Water and feed. Give small drinks while it is growing and ease off in summer heat. Feed twice a year, once as spring begins and again as autumn begins.

Pruning. Not much. The dark colour is the point, so remove any all green pups that appear, because pups from Big Bang do not always carry the variegation. Take off dry lower leaves to keep it tidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Big Bang Aeonium as tube stock and 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and the dark patterning develops as it grows. The 200mm pots in packs of 6 carry a more developed plant and suit an instant pot display.

The tube is grown for us and is not in constant supply. It shows as sold out whenever our grower has none, and the notify button on the page sends you an email the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More succulents to grow
• Plants for rockeries
• Plants that suit pots
• A complete succulent care guide

Common questions

Why are some of the pups all green?

Pups from Big Bang do not always develop variegation. Remove any all green ones if you want to keep the plant dark.

How much sun does it need?

A bright position with morning sun. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun, which can burn the leaves.

How often should I water it?

Lightly, and only during the growing months. It is drought tolerant once established, so overwatering is the greater risk.