Aeonium Haworthii Care: How To Grow Pinwheel Plants

Aeonium haworthii is a member of the family Crassulaceae. You may also hear the plant referred by the common names:

  • Pinwheel Plant
  • Aeonium Pinwheel
  • Haworth’s Aeonium
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It is a winter growing succulent perennial in the genus Aeonium hailing from Tenerife in the Canary Islands and North Africa.

This pinwheel type of Aeonium grows well outdoors in full sun throughout most of Southern California and some parts of Texas and Florida.

These branching succulents may be grown as an annual in cooler settings or as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. In some areas, frost may cause the plants to die back.


However, as long as the roots do not freeze they will re-grow again when warm weather returns.

Caring For Aeonium Haworthii

Size & Growth

Pinwheel Aeonium has a freely branching growth habit and can range in height from between 6″ to 12″ inches tall with a spread of 18″ to 24″ inches.

Leaves grow in rosettes 3″ to 4″ inches wide. The succulent leaves are blue-green and may have a slight red tinge along the margins.

Flowering & Fragrance

Blossoms are white, off-white or pale yellow and appear late in the springtime or early in the summer. White blooms may have a slightly pink tinge.

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The rosette which produces the flowers will die back after bloom time is complete.

Light & Temperature

These winter growing succulents do best in full sun or partial light shade during the summertime when they may even go semi-dormant.

In cooler weather, they will take a little more sun and grow more actively.

Pinwheel Aeonium are winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. They grow best when the temperature is between 65° and 75° degrees Fahrenheit.

Watering & Feeding

These succulents enjoy a little more water than most. Keep the soil slightly moist, but don’t allow it to become soggy as this may cause root rot.

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Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength and feed one time monthly during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the summer when the plant is dormant.



Haworthii does not like hot, dry weather.

Soil & Transplanting

As with most succulents, Aeoniums appreciate a well-draining soil.

Use a sandy loam mixture or a standard potting soil rather than a cactus or succulent mix. A pH level ranging from 6.1 to 6.5 is ideal.

Pinwheel Aeonium have very shallow root systems, so frequent repotting is not necessary. Repot once every couple of years.

Grooming & Maintenance

Due to its rambling nature, Aeonium plants need trimming back from time-to-time. Be sure to keep the cuttings to propagate more plants.

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Remove dead rosettes after flowers have finished blooming.

NOTE: Aeonium Kiwi is a hybrid of Aeonium haworthii. Also, check out Aeonium Canariense the ‘Giant Velvet Rose’ from the Canary Islands. Grows up to 1′ foot wide and 3′ feet tall.

How To Propagate Aeonium Haworthii

Propagate Aeoniums through cuttings taken in the early fall.

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For best results allow the cut surfaces to dry or callous for a few days before planting.

Aeonium Pinwheel Pests or Diseases

If kept too dry, you will find that your plants’ leaves shrivel and curl. Conversely, too much moisture will cause root rot.

Be sure to check the soil frequently and water when the top 2″ inches are dry.

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Slugs may be problematic outdoors in damp conditions. Mites and scale may also cause problems for compromised plants.

NOTE: There have been no toxic effects reported for any livestock, wildlife or humans ingesting Aeonium.

Uses For Pinwheel Aeonium

Aeoniums shallow root systems, allow them to do very well in trays or shallow pots, or on their own or as part of a collection of succulents such as jade, agave, and aloe.

Potted succulent plant with lush rosettes.Pin
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In areas where Pinwheel Aeonium is winter hardy (or when grown as an annual), Pinwheel Plants make beautiful border plants or additions to rock gardens.

This delicate plant is not invasive.