Origin:
A Middle (central-variegation) mutation of Aeonium ‘Sunburst’, itself most likely derived from a mutation of Aeonium davidbramwellii.
Known names:
‘Starburst’ (the most widely used name), ‘Lemon Lime’, ‘Lemon-Lime’, ‘Lemon & Lime’, 灿烂中斑. The name Aeonium decorum ‘Lemon-Lime’ also appears in some older or commercial sources, but it reflects the former attribution of ‘Sunburst’ to Aeonium decorum, now considered incorrect.
Creation date / breeder:
Unknown. Aeonium ‘Starburst’ arose as a Middle mutation of ‘Sunburst’. The latter was already distributed in cultivation in 1993 by International Succulent Introductions (ISI 93-20), under the name Aeonium decorum ‘Sunburst’, now considered an incorrect attribution.
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Starburst’ is a shrubby variegated Aeonium with Middle, or central, variegation.
It forms rosettes of fleshy, relatively broad, spatulate leaves. Its main characteristic is the unusual organization of its variegation.
The center of the leaf blade displays a yellow to cream-yellow longitudinal band whose width and regularity can vary considerably from one leaf to another.
This central zone is not necessarily perfectly uniform and can contain streaks or paler patches, giving each leaf a slightly different appearance.
On either side of this central band are broad green, chlorophyll-rich zones. This arrangement is essentially the reverse of that seen in Aeonium ‘Sunburst’.
Relatively stable coloration
Unlike some modern variegated Aeoniums whose appearance can change dramatically between winter and summer, Aeonium ‘Starburst’ generally retains the same color pattern throughout the year. It is mainly the intensity of the colors that changes.
As light levels increase, a fine pink and then red edging appears along the leaf margins. This pigmentation can become particularly noticeable on the most exposed outer leaves and elegantly emphasizes the shape of the rosette.
‘Starburst’ and ‘Sunburst’: reversed variegation
The distinction between the two cultivars is relatively straightforward.
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’:
mainly green center → cream/yellow lateral areas → pink or red edging.
Aeonium ‘Starburst’:
mainly yellow/cream center → green lateral areas → pink or red edging.
This inversion is the best criterion for distinguishing the two cultivars.
Variegation that is not always perfectly stable
Despite its relatively consistent appearance through the seasons, the genetic stability of its variegation appears less than perfect. Aeonium ‘Starburst’ can occasionally produce reversions.
Growth and development
Aeonium ‘Starburst’ has good vigor, supported by the substantial proportion of green tissue in its leaves. Growth can be relatively rapid under favorable conditions.
The plant gradually develops a shrubby habit with stems topped by large rosettes. Its natural tendency to produce new branches appears relatively moderate, however, so it should not necessarily be expected to become heavily branched quickly.
As in most Aeoniums, growth is mainly active during mild conditions and can slow considerably during the hottest part of summer.
A particularly robust variegated Aeonium
Aeonium ‘Starburst’ can be regarded as a relatively vigorous and easy-to-grow variegated cultivar.
Its central variegation leaves a substantial proportion of chlorophyll-rich tissue, which probably helps maintain good photosynthetic capacity compared with cultivars that are almost entirely white or yellow.
Care is nevertheless needed with intense summer sun. Its parent Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is known to be susceptible to scorching when abruptly exposed to very strong sunlight, so bright conditions with protection from burning summer sun are recommended. The higher proportion of green tissue in ‘Starburst’ nevertheless gives it somewhat better tolerance.
Sometimes confusing nomenclature
The names ‘Lemon Lime’ and ‘Lemon-Lime’ are now regarded as synonyms of ‘Starburst’. This nomenclature can nevertheless cause confusion because the name was historically associated with Aeonium decorum.
For a reference collection, it is therefore preferable to use Aeonium ‘Starburst’ and retain ‘Lemon Lime’ as a synonym. Another very similar form also circulates under the name Aeonium ‘Moonburst’.
A classic among variegated Aeoniums
Aeonium ‘Starburst’ is especially interesting because it clearly illustrates the phenomenon of a Middle mutation, or central variegation.
Derived from Aeonium ‘Sunburst’, it retains the same general morphology while almost reversing the distribution of color: green shifts toward the lateral portions while yellow occupies the center of the leaf blade.
This arrangement gives it excellent vigor and a relatively consistent appearance throughout the year. Its main feature to monitor is the stability of the variegation, as some rosettes can occasionally shift toward more chlorophyll-rich growth.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF AEONIUM ‘STARBURST’
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