Black Tree Aeonium (Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'): Dramatic Dark Rosettes

Overview

Black Tree Aeonium (Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop', also 'Schwarzkopf') is a stunning succulent with large, glossy, near-black purple rosettes atop branching, woody stems. The color deepens to richest black in full sun and cool weather. In spring, mature rosettes produce tall cones of bright yellow star flowers, creating a striking contrast. The rosette dies after flowering, but the plant branches below. A dramatic focal point in Mediterranean gardens, containers, and mixed succulent plantings. Award of Garden Merit winner.

Key Features

• Rosettes: Large (6–8 in), glossy, deep purple-black; green center in shade.
• Stems: Branching, woody, gray-brown; up to 3–4 ft tall.
• Flowers: Yellow, star-shaped, in tall pyramidal clusters; spring.
• Monocarpic: Flowering rosette dies; branches continue.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun to light shade. Best black color in full sun.

Water

Moderate in winter/spring growth; dry in summer dormancy. Avoid wet soil.

Soil

Well-drained, gritty. Tolerates poor soil.

Propagation

Stem cuttings root easily. Let callus.

Taxonomy

Family:	Crassulaceae
Genus:	Aeonium (ee-OH-nee-um)
Species:	arboreum (ar-BOR-ee-um)
Cultivar:	Zwartkop
Also known as:	Schwarzkopf, Schwartzkopf
Synonyms:	Aeonium manriqueorum, Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum f. nigrum, Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum f. cristata, Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum, Aeonium arboreum