Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'
Also known as: Black rose, black tree aeonium
The 'black rose' aeonium: branching stems each crowned by a large rosette of burgundy-black spoon leaves. It comes from Canary Islands (garden cultivar), stays around Rosettes 15–25 cm on stems to 1 m, and tolerates USDA 9b–11; protect below 2 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Aeonium
- Origin: Canary Islands (garden cultivar)
- Mature size: Rosettes 15–25 cm on stems to 1 m
- Hardiness: USDA 9b–11; protect below 2 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Aeonium
- Origin
- Canary Islands (garden cultivar)
- Mature size
- Rosettes 15–25 cm on stems to 1 m
- Growth habit
- Branching stems topped with large dark rosettes
- Leaf colour
- Deep burgundy-purple, nearly black in full sun
- Flower colour
- Golden yellow conical clusters
- Hardiness
- USDA 9b–11; protect below 2 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Black rose, black tree aeonium
About the Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'
The 'black rose' aeonium: branching stems each crowned by a large rosette of burgundy-black spoon leaves. Winter-growing and summer-dormant; the rosettes tighten and go almost black in full sun.
Care and cultivation
Aeoniums break the succulent rulebook: they grow in winter and rest in summer. Water actively during cool months, almost not at all in high summer when rosettes tighten and curl. They tolerate more moisture than most succulents during growth. A bare stem with a closed rosette is normal dormancy, not death. Light: Bright light with some direct sun; leaf edges curl in strong sun. Water: Weekly in summer-dormant regions: water lightly during the winter growing season. Use a Standard succulent mix with 30–40% grit.
Description
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' is an Aeonium succulent from Canary Islands (garden cultivar). The 'black rose' aeonium: branching stems each crowned by a large rosette of burgundy-black spoon leaves. Winter-growing and summer-dormant; the rosettes tighten and go almost black in full sun.
Identification
Look for: Deep burgundy-purple, nearly black in full sun leaves in a Rosettes 15–25 cm on stems to 1 m form. Also answers to Black rose, black tree aeonium. The genus is Aeonium, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Black rose aeonium'.
Common problems
Summer dormancy looks like dying (leaves curl and drop) — do not overwater • Mealybugs in rosette centres • Rosettes close up in bright heat
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'?
Weekly in summer-dormant regions: water lightly during the winter growing season. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' need?
Bright light with some direct sun; leaf edges curl in strong sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop', supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.