Over the years, the ISI has introduced a number of dark-leaved Aeonium hybrids created by Jack Catlin. It was only a matter of time before one of these swarthy forms produced a variegated sport or progeny but who could have imagined how spectacular such a plant could be? There are variegated forms of A. arboreum but they tend to be rather weak growers and therefore are not widely grown. A. 'Mardi Gras' then provides cause for celebration with its vigorous growth and festive tricolor foliage of cream with broad green midstripes and dark reddish margins. Renee O'Connell, plant breeder at Altman Plants in Vista, CA, selected this form which is a hybrid she made in 2007 involving A. 'Velour' and an unnamed hybrid. The latter parent involved A. arboreum 'Tricolor' (one of those weaker ones) and A. 'Garnet'. Altman’s is the largest wholesale grower of succulents in the United States and has graciously allowed us to publish this cultivar and distribute it through the ISI. Altman’s has patented this variety (USPP21407 P2) so unlicensed propagation is prohibited. HBG 120329, $15.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 86 (2), March - April, 2014