Origin:
A mutation of Aeonium ‘Black Magic’.
Known names:
‘Peacock’ — principal international name —, ‘Peacock Variegated’, ‘Black Magic Variegated’, 孔雀锦 (Kǒngquè Jǐn) and 孔雀覆轮锦 (Kǒngquè Fùlún Jǐn).
Creation date / Breeder:
2019 (Chinese creation).
This Aeonium was acquired by Linyi Fengda from The Greenhouse Owner, then propagated and commercialized.
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Peacock’ is a shrubby variegated Aeonium derived from a mutation of Aeonium ‘Black Magic’. It retains the main morphological characteristics of its parent, notably its thin, long and slightly elongated leaves, while developing spectacular variegation that has made it a highly sought-after cultivar.
This mutation is distinguished by particularly pronounced seasonal color changes, with a striking contrast between green, cream and red areas.
Foliage with spectacular contrasts
During winter, when light levels are lower, the foliage of Aeonium ‘Peacock’ displays a characteristic pattern consisting of:
- a broad green central band, whose intensity varies according to growing conditions;
- two cream to pale-yellow lateral bands;
- a slight reddish coloration at the tips of the leaves, more or less pronounced depending on exposure.
This arrangement strongly recalls its parent ‘Black Magic’, but with additional brightness provided by the chlorophyll-free areas.
A remarkable summer transformation
As light levels rise and temperatures become warmer, Aeonium ‘Peacock’ fully expresses its color potential.
The green central band gradually changes:
- it becomes darker;
- it may develop deep dark-green tones;
- until it becomes almost black in summer under strong light.
At the same time, the cream areas on either side of the central vein gradually turn:
- pale pink at first;
- deep pink;
- then intense red, sometimes almost burgundy.
This combination of a dark center and brightly colored margins is one of this Aeonium’s main aesthetic characteristics.
Cultivation and growth behavior
Aeonium ‘Peacock’ is a relatively vigorous cultivar that is easy to maintain in cultivation.
Its main horticultural characteristics are:
- Growth: fairly fast;
- Offset production: excellent;
- Vigor: high;
- Weaknesses: no particular sensitivity observed, apart from frost sensitivity like all Aeoniums.
Its good ability to produce offsets makes propagation easier and explains its gradual spread through collections.
A pronounced tendency toward summer dormancy
Like many Aeoniums from lineages related to ‘Black Magic’, ‘Peacock’ can readily enter dormancy when summer conditions become difficult.
When temperatures rise sharply and water becomes less available, the plant adopts a natural protective strategy:
- the rosettes gradually decrease in size;
- the leaves close tightly around the center;
- the stems become more visible as the foliage contracts.
This behavior is entirely natural and reflects an adaptation to the hot, dry conditions encountered in its ancestral environment.
To limit excessive dormancy, provide a bright summer position protected from extreme heat, together with regular watering suited to a very well-draining substrate.
WINTER PHOTOS
SUMMER PHOTOS
OTHER MUTATIONS OF PEACOCK
SUZAKU
Known names: ‘Suzaku’ (the most widely used name), ‘Rosefinch’, ‘Suzaku Super White Variegated’, ‘Peacock Variegata 2’, 朱雀.
Mutation of Peacock.
