Among the hybrid Aeoniums that have marked the recent history of cultivars, Aeonium ‘Voodoo’ occupies a special place. A true giant among Aeoniums, it is the origin of a family of particularly sought-after variegata mutations, which continues to grow with the regular appearance of new forms with spectacular colors.
This article provides as complete a list as possible of mutations and variegated forms derived from Aeonium ‘Voodoo’. BigBang forms are included in this horticultural lineage but are best distinguished from classic chlorophyll variegation. As with many recent cultivars, particularly those from Asia, new selections appear regularly. This list is constantly evolving, so please feel free to share your observations, discoveries, or any new names that come to light to help enrich this knowledge base.
The Aeonium ‘Voodoo’, a giant that gave rise to a new generation
Before looking at its variegata mutations, it is important to understand the history and characteristics of Aeonium ‘Voodoo’, the mother plant of this lineage.
Aeonium ‘Voodoo’ is a remarkable hybrid resulting from the cross between Aeonium undulatum and Aeonium ‘Zwartkop‘. It belongs to the same family of hybrids as Aeonium ‘Cyclops’, with which it shares certain morphological characteristics.
It inherits from its parent Aeonium undulatum a particularly vigorous growth and a very slender habit. Under favorable conditions, it can reach nearly 2 meters in height, developing a spectacular silhouette composed of a long stem bearing an imposing terminal rosette.
Unlike many Aeoniums that readily produce numerous offshoots, Aeonium ‘Voodoo’ remains relatively unproductive. This natural rarity still contributes to the interest in its mutations today.
Its rosette, which can become very large, exhibits a marked seasonal change. In summer and under strong sunlight, its foliage takes on deep hues ranging from dark purple to black, while during the winter growth period, the leaves regain greener tones.
This combination of exceptional size, dark foliage and mutation potential has made Aeonium ‘Voodoo’ a particularly interesting genetic base for the creation of new Aeonium variegata.
Origin
Aeonium ‘Voodoo’ is the result of hybridizing Aeonium undulatum and Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’.
It is considered the brother of Aeonium ‘Cyclops’, the two cultivars originating from the same hybrid line developed in the United States.
Famous names
‘Voodoo’ (most commonly used name)
Date of creation / Creator
2001 – Jack Catlin (United States)
Jack Catlin, the renowned American hybridizer who specialized in Aeoniums, was also responsible for creating numerous cultivars that have since become benchmarks among collectors worldwide.
Mutations and Variegated Forms Derived from Aeonium ‘Voodoo’
Thanks to its rich genetic heritage, Aeonium ‘Voodoo’ has given rise to several variegated mutations displaying spectacular variations in color and pattern.
These forms may feature foliage combining green, cream, yellow, pink, red, or purple, with their appearance varying according to the season, light exposure, and growing conditions.
The diversity of variegated Aeoniums derived from ‘Voodoo’ today highlights the exceptional potential of this hybrid, which continues to produce new discoveries several decades after its creation.
VOODOO ULTRA WHITE
Known names: Aeonium ‘Voodoo Ultra White’ — the most widely used name, Aeonium ‘Voodoo Variegated 1’, Aeonium ‘Voodoo White’, ‘Voodoo Ultra White Variegated’, 巫毒锦, Aeonium ‘Brushed Voodoo Brocade’.
Creation date: 2021.
RED WITCH
Known names: ‘Voodoo Red Witch’ — the most widely used name, ‘Voodoo Scarlett Witch’, 红魔女.
Creation date: 2024.
VOODOO SILK
Known names: ‘Voodoo Silk’ — the most widely used name, ‘Voodoo Silk Red’, ‘Voodoo Variegated 2’ (Stripes), ‘Voodoo Wiredrawing Variegated’, ‘Thin-leaf Voodoo (Brushed)’, ‘Voodoo Silk Brocade’, 巫毒拉丝锦.
Creation date: 2020.
Known names: ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ — the most widely used name, ‘Voodoo Brown’, ‘Voodoo Black’, ‘Voodoo Dark’, ‘Voodoo Variegata 3’ (?), 巫毒变异锦.
Creation date: 2022.
FLAME VOODOO
Known names: ‘Flame Mage’, ‘Blazing Flame’, ‘Roaring Flame’, ‘Voodoo Super Variegata’, 烈焰.
Creation date: November 2020.
VOODOO BIG BANG
Known names: ‘Voodoo BigBang’ — the most widely used name, ‘Voodoo Brush’, 巫毒拉丝.
Creation date / breeder: Commercial release began in 2022 (China).
VOODOO MIDDLE
HELLBOY
Creation date: April 2021.
Parentage: Hybrid resulting from a cross between ‘Voodoo’ and ‘Zwartkin Hybrid Variegated’.
Known names: ‘Voodoo Green’ — the most widely used name; ‘Voodoo Silk Green’; ‘Voodoo Silk 2.0’; ‘Green Voodoo’; ‘Green Voodoo Variegated’; ‘Voodoo Green Variegated’; 巫毒绿拉丝锦.
Creation date: 2020.
Known names: ‘Voodoo Purple Flame’ — the most widely used name; ‘Purple Flame Voodoo’; ‘Purple Voodoo’; ‘Purple Flame’; 紫焰 — Zǐ Yàn, meaning “Purple Flame”. Not to be confused with Aeonium ‘Voodoo Flame’, also known as 烈焰.
Creation date: 2024.
Known names: ‘Voodoo Devil Eyes’, ‘Voodoo Devil Eye’, ‘Devil’s Eye’, ‘Evil Eye’, ‘Voodoo Gray’, ‘Gray Voodoo’, and 恶魔之眼 (Èmó zhī Yǎn). The Chinese name means “Devil’s Eye.” The singular English form ‘Devil’s Eye’ is the most accurate translation.
Creation / commercial release date: 2024 (China).
VOODOO VARIEGATA
If you have any information or photos of this Aeonium, please feel free to contact me.
A very rare and relatively unstable mutation.
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