How to Grow Tree Houseleek Velour
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Tree Houseleek Velour
Aeonium arboreum 'Velour'
succulentTree Houseleek Velour is a striking succulent shrub featuring dark burgundy to nearly black rosette leaves that create a dramatic, velvety appearance. This cultivar of Aeonium arboreum grows upright on woody stems, forming a tree-like structure that can reach 2-3 feet tall. It is prized for its architectural form and deep coloring, which intensifies in cooler seasons and brighter light.
When should you plant Tree Houseleek Velour in your zone?
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Example Tree Houseleek Velour timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tree Houseleek Velour
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 Tree Houseleek Velour
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tree Houseleek Velour dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; can be grown in containers elsewhere and brought indoors during frost
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Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung rosette with 2-4 leaves emerging from a small stem base
Keep soil barely moist; provide bright indirect light initially; avoid direct sun until established (2-3 weeks). Harden off container plants gradually.
Vegetative Growth
3-12 monthsRosette expands with 15-20+ leaves forming a dense, dark burgundy crown; woody stem lengthens
Gradually increase light to full sun for color intensity. Water sparingly when soil is completely dry. Fertilize sparingly (once in spring with diluted succulent fertilizer). Prune side shoots if desired to encourage height.
Maturation
1-2 yearsPlant reaches tree-like form (2-3 feet) with main stem woody and thick; multiple rosettes may develop along stem
Maintain full sun exposure. Continue sparse watering regimen. Support tall plants with a stake if needed in windy areas. Rotate container plants quarterly for even growth.
Flowering (Optional)
2-4 weeks bloom timeYellow star-shaped flowers appear in dense clusters at the center of mature rosettes, usually in spring
Flowering is triggered by maturity and cool winter temperatures. After flowering, the rosette that flowered will die, but side rosettes will continue growth. Deadhead spent flowers if desired to redirect energy.
Dormancy
3-4 monthsWinter slowdown with minimal new growth; foliage color deepens dramatically in cool temperatures
Reduce watering significantly. Keep temperatures above 50°F; move indoors in frost-prone areas. Provide full light indoors. No fertilizer needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants; remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol
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Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil during growing season
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Prevent with excellent drainage and careful watering; repot into fresh soil if roots are mushy; trim away diseased tissue
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Increase humidity slightly; spray with water; use miticide if severe
Uses
Ornamental Accent Plant
HouseholdVelour is prized as a focal point in contemporary gardens, xeriscape designs, and succulent containers. Its dramatic dark foliage and architectural form add year-round visual interest to patios, rock gardens, and modern landscapes. [source]
Container Gardening
HouseholdExcellent for growing in pots, troughs, and living walls in areas outside its hardiness range. The compact root system and slow growth make it ideal for indoor and patio cultivation with minimal maintenance. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
CraftPerfect for water-wise gardens in arid and semi-arid climates. Its low water requirements and pest resistance make it an eco-friendly choice for sustainable landscape design. [source]
Traditional Remedy
MedicinalLike other Aeonium species, Velour leaves contain mucilage compounds historically used in folk medicine for minor wounds and skin irritation, though modern clinical evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not a harvested crop. For propagation, remove individual leaves in spring/summer, place on dry soil, and allow to root over 3-4 weeks; keep dry during propagation. Cuttings of rosette clusters root reliably within 2-3 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Velour' cultivar's nearly black foliage is an extreme expression of anthocyanin pigments that develop under stress (cold, bright light), making it darker than the standard Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' (Black Rose)
- 🌱 Tree Houseleek plants exhibit monocarpic rosettes—individual rosettes flower only once in their lifetime, then die, but the plant survives through side rosette development, making it potentially immortal if managed properly
- 🌱 This species is native to the Canary Islands and has been cultivated for centuries; it was highly prized by Victorian plant collectors in the 19th century
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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