Origin:
A hybrid resulting from the cross Aeonium smithii × Aeonium ‘Cyclops’.
Known names:
‘Ice Warrior’ (the official name given by Surreal Succulents) and 冰武士法师.
Creator:
Surreal Succulents, United Kingdom.
Aeonium ‘Ice Warrior’ was created by Surreal Succulents with a specific objective: to obtain an Aeonium capable of tolerating colder temperatures than most existing cultivars.
Its name directly refers to this breeding goal. Surreal Succulents selected two parents reputed to have better cold tolerance: Aeonium smithii and Aeonium ‘Cyclops’.
Early observations soon showed that the hoped-for hardiness had its limits, and the hybrid does not appear more cold-resistant than other Aeoniums.
This selection formed part of a wider Surreal Succulents programme to develop Aeoniums better suited to the climate of the United Kingdom.
Botanical description
‘Ice Warrior’ is a branched succulent Aeonium with relatively thick stems bearing the rosettes.
The stems may multiply progressively and produce a substantial plant. Surreal Succulents reports moderate growth and a maximum size of approximately 70 cm high by 50 cm wide under favourable conditions.
The leaves are thick, fleshy and broadly spatulate, with a fairly pointed tip. They are predominantly green but may develop red tones under strong light, especially on exposed areas.
One of the most interesting traits appears on the underside of the leaves, where characteristic markings and patterns strongly recall Aeonium smithii. This provides a useful identifying feature.
An important hybrid in the creation of new cultivars
The importance of ‘Ice Warrior’ extends beyond its attempted improvement in cold resistance. It became a significant parent plant in several hybridisation and mutation programmes.
One of the most notable examples is the variegated Aeonium ‘Phantom’, which appeared in China in 2020. ‘Phantom’ is presented as a mutation of ‘Ice Warrior’ and is the first widely documented variegated form in this lineage.
‘Phantom’ retains its parent’s characteristic leaf shape while developing spectacular yellow central variegation and a red margin. Its rosette may reach approximately 50 cm in diameter.
The creation of ‘Phantom’ greatly increased collector interest in ‘Ice Warrior’.
‘Ice Warrior’ and × Semponium
Another important part of its history is its role in the creation of Surreal Succulents’ × Semponium hybrids.
‘Ice Warrior’ was crossed with Sempervivum ‘Green Ice’, producing the first × Semponium hybrids, including ‘Sienna’, followed by ‘Destiny’, ‘Diamond’ and others.
The objective was to combine the architectural habit of Aeonium with the hardiness of Sempervivum. Surreal Succulents later explained that Sempervivum hardiness had not been transmitted as hoped and now considers these hybrids as vulnerable as ‘Ice Warrior’.
This illustrates that cold tolerance is not necessarily inherited in a simple way through hybridisation. Even parents selected for tolerance to low temperatures may produce offspring that remain frost-sensitive.
PHOTOGRAPHS
VARIEGATED FORMS DERIVED FROM ‘ICE WARRIOR’
PHANTOM
KNOWN NAMES: ‘Phantom’ (the most widely used name), 魅影法师.
PHANTOM MIDDLE
KNOWN NAMES: ‘Phantom Middle’ (the most widely used name).
CONTINUE EXPLORING
