Origin:
Derived from a mutation of Aeonium ‘Zwartkin’.
Known names:
‘Zhu Rong’ — the most widely used name; 祝融; ‘Zhurong’; ‘God of Fire’; ‘Shurong’; ‘ZR’; ‘Zwartkin Yellow Variegated’; ‘Zwartkin Variegata 3’; ‘Red Copper Yellow Variegated’; 红铜黄锦; ‘Red Garnet Yellow’; ‘Vulcan’.
The name Zhu Rong (祝融) refers to a major figure in ancient Chinese mythology. According to tradition, Zhu Rong was a minister of the Yellow Emperor or of Ku, was sometimes regarded as an emperor himself, and was counted among the Three Sovereigns. He is also known as one of the gods of fire in Chinese mythology, a reference probably chosen because of the fiery colors developed by this Aeonium.
Creation date / Breeder:
Commercialized from 2021; created in China.
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Zhu Rong’ is a shrubby variegated Aeonium derived from a mutation of Aeonium ‘Zwartkin’.
It therefore belongs to the lineage of dark-pigmented aeoniums, which can develop very deep tones under strong light. The variegated mutation adds a striking alternation of pale areas and intense red pigments, creating a particularly dramatic contrast.
Coloration inspired by fire
In winter, when light levels are lower, the foliage of Aeonium ‘Zhu Rong’ displays the structure typical of mutations derived from ‘Zwartkin’:
- a green central line;
- creamy-yellow lateral bands;
- a leaf margin tinged purplish pink.
As light levels and temperatures gradually increase, colored pigments progressively spread:
- the creamy-yellow bands develop purplish-pink tones;
- the colored areas become increasingly intense.
In summer, under strong light, this Aeonium fully reveals its color potential:
- the lateral bands turn bright red;
- the green center gradually darkens until it becomes almost black.
Despite this dramatic development, the center of the rosette generally retains green and cream tones, maintaining a growing area with sufficient chlorophyll.
A fiery descendant of ‘Zwartkin’
Aeonium ‘Zhu Rong’ shares many characteristics with other mutations derived from ‘Zwartkin’, including:
- a strong ability to develop red pigments;
- a central area capable of becoming very dark;
- excellent contrast between chlorophyll and variegation.
It is nevertheless distinguished by its particular balance of cream, purplish pink, bright red, and black, giving it an appearance reminiscent of fire and perfectly consistent with its name.
Cultivation and behavior
Initial observations indicate a relatively vigorous cultivar.
Its main horticultural characteristics are:
- Growth: fairly rapid;
- Offset production: satisfactory;
- Sensitivity: no particular weakness observed to date.
As with all strongly colored variegated aeoniums, sufficient light is recommended to encourage red and dark pigments. Excessive heat combined with overly moist growing medium should nevertheless be avoided in summer.
Like all aeoniums, it remains sensitive to frost and prolonged subfreezing temperatures.
An Aeonium with the colors of fire
Aeonium ‘Zhu Rong’ is especially well named. This mutation derived from ‘Zwartkin’ combines pale variegation with a spectacular seasonal color progression, from winter cream to fiery reds and nearly black summer tones.
Thanks to its distinctive contrast and good vigor, it is one of the most interesting mutations in the ‘Zwartkin’ family and illustrates the diversity of modern variegated Aeonium selections.
WINTER PHOTOGRAPHS
SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHS
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