How to Grow George Davison
Wikimedia Commons
George Davison
Aeonium arboreum 'George Davison'
succulentGeorge Davison is a striking variegated cultivar of tree houseleek featuring rosette-shaped foliage with cream, yellow, and green coloration. This tender succulent forms a branching tree-like structure and produces small yellow flowers in late spring. It is prized as an ornamental houseplant and garden accent in mild climates.
When should you plant George Davison in your zone?
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Example George Davison timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant George Davison
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest George Davison
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact George Davison dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; grows as a houseplant or container plant elsewhere
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Get my George Davison timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation/Establishment
2-4 weeksLeaf cuttings or rooted rosettes are planted and begin developing roots and new growth.
Keep soil barely moist; provide bright indirect light. Avoid watering freshly planted propagations for 7-10 days to prevent rot.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsRosette expands and multiple branches begin forming from the base, creating the characteristic tree-like structure.
Water moderately during spring and summer when soil is completely dry. Ensure excellent drainage and bright light for compact, colorful growth.
Branching/Maturation
6-18 monthsPlant develops multiple rosette branches creating a candelabra-like form. Foliage becomes more intensely colored with yellows and creams.
Pinch growing tips occasionally to encourage bushier branching. Reduce water and stop fertilizing in fall to trigger flowering.
Flowering
4-8 weeksProduces small, star-shaped yellow flowers clustered at branch tips, typically in late spring.
Flowering is a natural part of the life cycle; support flowering by providing cool winter rest period (50-55°F) and bright light.
Post-Flowering
OngoingAfter flowering, rosettes may decline or produce offsets. The plant may enter dormancy.
Remove spent flower stalks. Propagate rosette offsets to rejuvenate the plant or maintain stock.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol or insecticidal soap; inspect regularly and remove affected leaves
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Increase humidity around the plant; spray with water; use miticide if severe
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Remove manually with a soft brush; apply neem oil or horticultural oil
Uses
Indoor & Outdoor Decoration
OrnamentalGeorge Davison is primarily valued as an ornamental houseplant for its striking variegated foliage and architectural branching form. It adds visual interest to windowsills, office spaces, and Mediterranean-style garden displays. [source]
Low-Maintenance Container Plant
HouseholdIts drought tolerance and minimal care requirements make it ideal for busy gardeners, offices, or locations where regular watering is impractical. Container cultivation allows easy seasonal repositioning for optimal light. [source]
Terrarium & Garden Display
CraftOften used in succulent arrangements, desert-themed terrariums, and mixed container gardens. Its compact size and slow growth make it suitable for long-term decorative displays. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe yellow spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators, providing a small but valuable nectar source in succulent collections. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested. Collect leaf cuttings for propagation by gently removing individual leaves and allowing them to callus for 3-5 days before laying on dry soil. Propagate offsets after flowering by removing and allowing to root.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 George Davison is named after the pioneering plant collector and alpinist, reflecting the Aeonium genus's popularity among collectors.
- 🌱 Unlike many Aeonium species, George Davison's vibrant cream and yellow variegation intensifies under bright, cool conditions but fades in shade or excessive heat.
- 🌱 The plant can live for many years but individual rosettes are monocarpic (flowering once before declining), though the plant regenerates through offsets.
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