Origin:
Derived from a reversion of Aeonium ‘Pink Daisy’, itself derived from a mutation of Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras’.
Known names:
‘Meteor’ (the most widely used name), ‘Green Evil’.
Creation date / Breeder:
2018 (China).
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Meteor’ is a shrubby variegated Aeonium corresponding to the most advanced reversion form of Aeonium ‘Pink Daisy’. It represents the final stage of the Poker Face reversion phenomenon, in which chlorophyll almost completely regains dominance over the original variegation.
Unlike ‘Pink Daisy’, whose pink margins largely dominate the foliage, ‘Meteor’ has predominantly green rosettes. Its leaves are generally deep green with cream-white marbling or splashes, inherited from its variegated origin. Some leaves may also display a fine dark-red or very dark-green central line, creating a subtle but characteristic contrast.
A remarkably stable cultivar
Aeonium ‘Meteor’ changes relatively little through the seasons.
In both winter and summer, its foliage remains predominantly green, with only slight variations in intensity depending on growing conditions. Red pigments generally remain subtle and never reach the striking colors observed in ‘Pink Daisy’.
This color stability is one of the main differences between the two cultivars.
A reversion… but not always permanent
Although ‘Meteor’ is an advanced reversion of ‘Pink Daisy’, this change is not necessarily irreversible.
In rare cases, some rosettes may gradually develop stronger variegation again and shift toward a ‘Glowworm’ form, or even return to a true ‘Pink Daisy’.
Growth and behavior
Aeonium ‘Meteor’ behaves very much like ‘Pink Daisy’.
Its main horticultural characteristics are:
- Growth: active;
- Offset production: good;
- Vigor: high;
- Sensitivity: no particular sensitivity observed, apart from its natural sensitivity to frost.
Its higher proportion of chlorophyll-bearing tissue may give it slightly greater vigor than ‘Pink Daisy’, although this hypothesis would require confirmation through further cultivation observations.
An essential cultivar for understanding the “Poker Face” phenomenon
Aeonium ‘Meteor’ is an excellent example of the genetic complexity of modern variegated Aeonium.
Together with ‘Pink Daisy’ and ‘Glowworm’, it forms a trio illustrating the different expressions of the same mutation:
- Pink Daisy: stable variegation dominated by pink tones;
- Glowworm: an intermediate form with irregular green areas (Poker Face);
- Meteor: an almost complete reversion to predominantly green foliage.
The different expressions of the ‘Pink Daisy’ lineage
Pink Daisy
The original form, characterized by foliage that is largely pink, cream, and green.
Glowworm
The Poker Face form, in which green areas appear randomly on the leaves while substantial pink coloring remains.
Meteor
The most advanced reversion, with a predominantly green rosette retaining only a few traces of variegation.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF ‘METEOR’
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