Origin:
A mutation derived from Aeonium ‘Madeira Rose’, also known as ‘Halloween’.
Known names:
‘Nereus’ (the most widely used international name), ‘Sea God’, ‘Sea God Variegated’ and 海神 (Hǎishén), meaning “Sea God”.
Creation date:
Marketed in China from 2024.
Note: Do not confuse Aeonium ‘Nereus’ / 海神 with Aeonium ‘Neptune’ / 海王. Chinese catalogues list them separately despite the similar maritime meaning of their names.
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Nereus’ is a variegated cultivar forming large, regular rosettes composed of fleshy, broad, obovate-to-spatulate leaves with rounded tips.
Its most distinctive feature is its highly contrasted variegation. The leaves generally have a green-to-dark-green chlorophyllous centre surrounded by cream, pink or red variegated tissue. On well-coloured plants, a bright pink-to-carmine margin outlines every leaf and gives the rosette its characteristic appearance.
Seasonal changes
The appearance of ‘Nereus’ varies considerably with growing conditions. In its greenest expression, the centre remains largely green while the margins turn pink or bright red. As pigmentation intensifies, red tones spread across much of the blade and the green may develop brown or chocolate shades.
The most intensely coloured forms become almost entirely burgundy red, with particularly luminous carmine-pink margins. The centre of the rosette generally retains more green, cream or pink. This variability can give ‘Nereus’ very different appearances through the year.
Growth and branching
Aeonium ‘Nereus’ branches readily. With age, its stems become woody and produce numerous branches ending in rosettes. Mature specimens may form broad clumps with ten or more heads.
Cultivation advice
☀️ Exposure
A bright position encourages strong colour development, while protection from the most extreme conditions remains advisable. Partial shade is ideal during summer.
💧 Watering
As with most Aeoniums, the growing medium must be sufficiently free-draining. Although ‘Nereus’ appears to tolerate moisture reasonably well under some conditions, waterlogged soil should still be avoided.
🌡️ Heat
Early information is fairly reassuring regarding resistance to high temperatures, but careful watering remains essential during heatwaves.
❄️ Cold
Like all Aeoniums, ‘Nereus’ is frost-sensitive and requires winter protection whenever temperatures approach freezing.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF NEREUS
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