Origin:
Probably derived from a mutation of Aeonium ‘Poison’ or one of its closely related variations. ‘Poison’ is itself a mutation of Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras’.
Known names:
‘Princess Mononoke’ (the most widely used international name), 幽灵公主 (Yōulíng Gōngzhǔ). Its Chinese name, 幽灵公主, is the Chinese title of Princess Mononoke (Mononoke-hime, もののけ姫).
This name means “Princess of the Spirits” and refers to the famous Japanese animated film Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫), directed by Hayao Miyazaki in 1997. The artistic reference probably evokes the mysterious, almost supernatural character of this color-changing Aeonium.
Creation date / breeder:
Documented in the Chinese trade from 2024.
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Princess Mononoke’ is a shrubby variegated Aeonium belonging to the broad lineage derived from ‘Mardi Gras’.
Like many cultivars from this genetic family, it displays a characteristic variegation composed of three distinct zones:
- a green central band;
- creamy-white lateral areas;
- secondary colors that appear as light intensity increases.
In winter, when light levels are lower, the foliage remains relatively understated, with a green central band surrounded by broad cream-colored areas. The leaves are especially recognizable by their elongated, tapered shape, strongly recalling some of the traits observed in ‘Poison’.
A dramatic change with stronger light
One of the distinctive features of Aeonium ‘Princess Mononoke’ is the marked way it changes according to growing conditions.
As light intensity increases, especially in spring and summer, the leaves gradually develop much stronger colors:
- the cream-colored areas take on pink shades;
- the leaves may shift toward purplish-pink tones;
- the colored areas become more strongly contrasted.
Under certain stress conditions—strong sunlight, heat, or limited water—the leaves may also develop a slight waviness, giving the rosette a more dynamic and distinctive appearance.
As pigmentation increases, the leaves also tend to become broader and more rounded, noticeably changing the overall appearance of the rosette between winter and summer.
An Aeonium with multiple influences
Morphologically, ‘Princess Mononoke’ appears to combine several traits:
- it retains the variegation pattern inherited from the ‘Mardi Gras’ lineage;
- its leaf shape recalls descendants such as ‘Poison’;
- it develops its own distinctive seasonal coloration.
This combination gives it a distinct identity among the many Chinese variegated Aeonium cultivars introduced in recent years.
Cultivation and behavior
Initial observations indicate a cultivar with fairly moderate growth:
- Growth: rather slow;
- Offset production: low to moderate;
- Sensitivity: no particular sensitivity reported to date.
A recent Aeonium still to be explored
Only recently introduced to the trade, Aeonium ‘Princess Mononoke’ remains a relatively rare cultivar whose definitive characteristics still need to be clarified.
Its main interest lies in its marked seasonal development: understated in winter with green and cream tones, it gradually reveals a palette of pink and purple colors when light conditions become favorable.
A mysterious Aeonium, much like the character whose name it bears.
WINTER PHOTOGRAPHS
SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHS
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