Most Aeoniums can tolerate temperatures down to around 5 degrees c without too much trouble, but at this time of year the often pleasant days can turn, and all of a sudden bring wet or colder weather. It’s never a great to start the Autumn/Winter with soggy plants, even though Autumn is a growing period for them.
This year, all due to the large collection of plants I have, I took the decision to get ahead of the game and get them all inside early and avoid the mad rush later in October. If you only have a small collection you do not need to panic just yet, enjoy them outside for a while as we are still getting some nice warm sunny days.
This year I have split the collection into two distinct groups, the “greens” and the dark-leaved. The “greens” are now almost all in this glasshouse in the lower part of the garden. I have used bubble insulation again this year and a new Hotbox electric fan heater, which is much better than the old smaller more domestic one. Keeping good airflow is very important to keep down high humidity levels which can create problems in the Winter. I aim to keep the glasshouse to a minimum of 5 deg.
As I move towards the possibility of being awarded a Plant Heritage National Collection status for my gathering of dark-leaved Aeoniums, I will be keeping a close watch on these over Winter for any issues or unwanted pests that like a cosy home. Last year I got invaded by some very hungry Tortrix month caterpillars, these are NOT welcome. Occasionally a few mealy bugs show up, but these are very obvious on dark leaved plants so can usually be controlled with a small paintbrush and a pot of methylated spirit. Mrs Green has got very good at pest spotting, and recently been very busy helping me health check every plant in the collection, quite a task. The cedar glasshouse above is a little warmer than the other aluminium one, and nearer the house, so even on a very cold and wet day is easier to access. I will not put bubble insulation up but instead hang a tent of heavy fleece from the eaves then, if it gets very cold, put extra fleece over the plants themselves. Again, I am using a Hotbox electric fan heater to control the humidity and a minimum of 5 degrees c temperature.
Often at this time of year I would be busy taking cuttings of precious plants, or ones for sale at a few garden shows in the Spring of 2027, but that job was completed last month. A few larger outdoor plants have got a bit out of hand or lost their best look due to flowering earlier in Spring so have had the chop. These should root in a few weeks and given that they already fill a 14cm pot are going to make big plants by the Spring.
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ above, from a 60cm tall feature plant to 10 large heads that will hopefully all root by the end of October.
Another monster display plant of mine is the Aeonium ‘Velour’ below. This plant has had no special treatment this year, took the drought and the heat with ease at the side of the glasshouse. I was a bit nervous to move it this week in case it just collapsed under the weight, but for now it seems fine and is now back inside again. I am not too stressed about its potential for 2027 as I have several other smaller plants waiting in the wings to take over.
So, just a few plants to bring in and health check that have been scattered around various garden features during the Summer and the job is done…phew!
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Although my plants now back inside again they are still easily viewable if you are passing Cheltenham way any time. Please email to enquire.
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