Origin
A Chinese “super-white” selection derived from 万圣节白锦, known as ‘Halloween White’ or 万白. The latter is itself a variegated mutation of Aeonium ‘Madeira Rose’, marketed in China as ‘Halloween’.
Known names
‘Qingcheng’ — recommended international name; 倾城 (Qīngchéng), ‘Love in the Fallen City’, ‘Desperate Love’, ‘Allure’, 万超白 (Wàn chāobái), ‘Halloween Super White’, ‘Halloween White Form’ and ‘Halloween Variegated No. 2’. 万白 refers more specifically to the ‘Halloween White’ form from which ‘Qingcheng’ was selected.
Creation date / Creator
Traditionally said to have entered the Chinese market around 2020, although this date has not been confirmed by a primary source. The earliest precisely dated public mention found is 17 February 2022. Creator unknown.
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Love in the Fallen City’, also known as ‘Qingcheng’, is a variegated shrub-form Aeonium derived from the ‘Madeira Rose’ (‘Halloween’) lineage. It belongs to the highly sought-after group of ‘Halloween White’ variegates and is distinguished by an especially high degree of depigmentation, giving it a luminous, delicate appearance.
Very bright, evolving variegation
In winter, the leaves generally show a narrow green central band, two broad cream-to-ivory lateral areas and a fine pink-to-red margin. As light and temperatures increase, anthocyanin pigments develop and the cream areas turn pink, red and sometimes almost magenta. It is one of the most spectacular pink-toned variegated Aeoniums.
A cultivar close to ‘Halloween White’
‘Qingcheng’ has a much greater proportion of white tissue, less chlorophyll and a stronger tendency to produce highly depigmented growth. ‘Halloween White’ usually retains more green tissue and therefore grows more regularly and vigorously.
A magnificent but more delicate Aeonium
Nearly white or albino rosettes are extremely attractive but grow slowly, photosynthesise poorly and are more sensitive to difficult conditions. This cultivar therefore requires more attentive care than better-balanced variegates.
Cultivation and behaviour
Growth is rather slow, offset production is moderate and overall vigour is lower than in classic ‘Halloween’ forms. Provide bright light to develop its colours, while protecting the whitest tissue from scorching summer sun. Avoid excessive moisture, intense heat and prolonged stress.
An exceptional variegated Aeonium
Its pronounced white variegation and intense pink colours make ‘Qingcheng’ one of the most remarkable cultivars in the ‘Halloween’ lineage, although its beauty comes with the challenge of maintaining enough chlorophyll for healthy growth.
Difference between ‘Halloween White’ and ‘Love in the Fallen City’
‘Love in the Fallen City’ is whiter and contains much less chlorophyll than ‘Halloween White’.
Difference between ‘Litchi’ and ‘Love in the Fallen City’
WINTER PHOTOS
SUMMER PHOTOS
