Origin:
A mutation of Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’.

Known names:
‘Green Lemon’ (the most widely used name), ‘Shao Shy Jin’, ‘Shao Shy Covering Wheel Brocade’, ‘Shao Shy Green Brocade’, ‘Qingli’, 青檬.

Creation date / Breeder:
Discovered during the first half of 2018 in China by Mr Yufan Ji.
Subsequently developed by Wang Baozhong of Zhizhuo Gardening.
Marketed after the cultivar had been propagated and stabilized.

(Source: Xiaofei, a Chinese Aeonium grower in the Kunming region.)

The origin story of Aeonium ‘Green Lemon‘

The story of Aeonium ‘Green Lemon‘ differs considerably from that of many major variegated Aeonium cultivars that immediately captured collectors’ enthusiasm.

Its discovery dates back to 2018, in a Chinese greenhouse, where a natural mutation of Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty‘ caught the attention of Mr Yufan Ji. At the time, however, this new plant did not generate particular excitement. Because mutations of ‘Blushing Beauty’ were already numerous, the Aeonium appeared to be just one more variation among many.

The first small rosette observed was even described as rather unattractive, with less spectacular coloration than some other known variegated Aeoniums. Unlike cultivars such as ‘Medusa‘ or ‘Verna‘, whose aesthetic potential was recognized immediately, ‘Green Lemon‘ initially remained relatively inconspicuous.

The plant was then acquired by Wang Baozhong of Zhizhuo Gardening, who nevertheless decided to continue observing and propagating it.

For several months, the first offsets were gradually removed to study the stability of the mutation. By July 2019, after approximately one year of propagation, around one hundred plants already existed and the stability of the variegation had been confirmed.

It was during this period that the cultivar officially received the name ‘Green Lemon‘.

The name refers directly to its characteristic colors:

the green at the center of the leaves,
the lemon yellow appearing in the peripheral variegated areas.

Before receiving this name, it was mainly identified by internal names referring to its relationship with ‘Blushing Beauty’ and its distinctive coloration.

Observations made during this propagation phase also showed that ‘Green Lemon’ retained:

the general morphology of its parent ‘Blushing Beauty’,
similar growth,
good stability of the mutation.

Shown here are the oldest known photograph of Aeonium ‘Green Lemon’, the stem from which all the lateral offsets were removed for propagation (July 2019), and the first article published by Zhizhuo Baoye announcing the appearance of a new cultivar.

Propagation phase of ‘Green Lemon‘

Botanical description

Aeonium ‘Green Lemon’ is a shrubby variegated Aeonium resulting from a mutation of Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty‘.

It therefore belongs to the large group of Aeoniums derived from mutations of ‘Blushing Beauty’, but is distinguished by a softer, brighter color palette.

In winter, when light levels are lower, the rosette generally displays:

a light-green to soft-green center,
cream to lemon-yellow lateral areas,
occasionally subtle pink shades depending on exposure.

The coloration is less contrasted than in some other variegated Aeoniums, but its bright pastel appearance gives it a distinctive identity.

As light levels and temperatures rise, the yellow areas intensify and may become lemon-yellow or golden. The green center may also darken slightly under the effects of sunlight and climatic stress.

Unlike some Aeoniums derived from ‘Blushing Beauty‘, ‘Green Lemon‘ retains a leaf shape very close to that of its original parent. The mutation mainly affects foliage coloration rather than the plant’s overall morphology.

GROWTH AND CULTIVATION

Aeonium ‘Green Lemon‘ grows at a rate comparable to that of its parent ‘Blushing Beauty‘.

It displays:

fairly active growth,
a reasonable ability to produce offsets,
good stability of the variegation.

It does not appear to have any particular weakness, although, like all variegated Aeoniums, it should be protected from excess moisture, frost and prolonged intense heat.

During hot summer periods, it may enter partial dormancy, with reduced vegetative activity and a tighter rosette.

A bright position protected from the most aggressive rays during heatwaves generally helps maintain attractive coloration while limiting water stress.

Observations indicate that ‘Green Lemon’ grows in the same way as its parent, ‘Blushing Beauty’, and that its leaf shape did not change when the mutation occurred, unlike ‘Queen Naga‘, another variegated Aeonium derived from ‘Blushing Beauty‘.

First comparison: Blushing Beauty and Green Lemon

Second comparison: Queen Naga and Green Lemon

Aeonium ‘Green Lemon‘ is an interesting example of a mutation derived from ‘Blushing Beauty‘, and its history reminds us that not every major cultivar is immediately successful.

Its appeal lies less in dramatic contrasts than in the elegance of its soft shades combining tender green and lemon yellow. Today it is valued for its bright appearance, stability and distinctive identity within the broad family of variegated Aeoniums.