Origin:
A mutation of Aeonium ‘Venus’, itself derived from a mutation of Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras’.
Known names:
‘Caesar’ (currently the most widely used name), ‘Czar’ (original name), ‘Tsar’, ‘Shahuang’ and 沙皇. Some sources also suggest a possible correspondence with ‘Jade Rabbit’, but this has not been confirmed. ‘Tsar’ is the most direct modern English translation of 沙皇.
Creation date / Creator:
Created in China and marketed from 2021.
Description: Aeonium ‘Caesar’ is a variegated mutation of Aeonium ‘Venus’.
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Caesar’ is a variegated cultivar belonging to the extensive lineage of mutations derived from Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras’. More specifically, it descends from Aeonium ‘Venus’, retaining some of its characteristics while developing a distinct visual identity.
In winter, under lower light, its foliage displays the typical variegation of this lineage: a broad green central band framed by two cream-yellow to ivory lateral bands. This creates a clear, harmonious contrast.
Strongly contrasted seasonal colouring
As light levels, temperatures and solar intensity increase, Aeonium ‘Caesar’ gradually develops an especially elegant palette.
The leaf margins acquire strong pink tones that may progress to purple-pink according to growing conditions and physiological stress.
At the same time, the green central band darkens to a very deep green, sometimes almost black, forming a characteristic median line.
A small black point is also frequently visible at the leaf tip, providing another useful identifying feature.
The combination of cream-yellow, deep green, purple-pink and black makes ‘Caesar’ one of the most strongly contrasted cultivars in the ‘Mardi Gras’ lineage.
Cultivation and behaviour
Aeonium ‘Caesar’ grows steadily and has vigour comparable to other cultivars derived from ‘Mardi Gras’. Its normal offset production makes propagation by cuttings relatively easy.
Aeonium ‘Caesar’ illustrates the potential of successive mutations in the ‘Mardi Gras’ lineage. Its seasonal transition towards purple-pink shades and an almost black centre gives it a distinctive personality.
No particular weakness has been observed to date. Like most variegated Aeoniums, it prefers a very free-draining growing medium, bright light without scorching summer sun, and watering adjusted to its seasonal growth cycle.
An elegant heir to the ‘Mardi Gras’ lineage
Although marketed under several names—‘Czar’, ‘Tsar’ and later ‘Caesar’—it is now primarily recognised under the last of these. Its exact origin and possible relationship with other cultivars still require clarification.
WINTER PHOTOGRAPHS
SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHS
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