Scientific Name
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'
Common Name(s)
Black Rose, Black Beauty, Black Tree Aeonium, Black Aeonium, Black Head
Synonym(s)
Aeonium 'Zwartkop', Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkopf', Aeonium arboreum 'Schwarzkopf', Aeonium manriqueorum 'Schwarzkopf', Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum 'Schwarzkopf', Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum f. nigrum 'Schwarzkopf', Aeonium 'Blackhead'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Description
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkopf' is a beautiful succulent that forms clumps of gray-brown stems that often branch near their base. It grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. The long bare stems hold large terminal rosettes of very dark purple, almost black leaves. The rosettes are up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Flowers are yellow, star-shaped, and appear in spring arranged in long conical clusters from the center of the rosettes of mature plants, after which the stems bearing the flower die to the ground.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Black Rose does not like hot or dry weather. It may go dormant in summer and does not require water, except in very dry conditions. In extreme heat, its leaves will curl to prevent excessive water loss. Growing in moist shade will keep it growing, but its true growth season is winter to spring, when temperatures are cool, 65 to 75 °F (18 to 24 °C), and damp. In the winter, water whenever the soil has dried out. Test by poking your finger down into the soil an inch or 2 (2.5 to 5 cm). Too much moisture or allowing them to sit in wet soil will cause root rot.
Fertilize with water-soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month from spring to fall
Spray Black Rose thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil at the first sign of aphids or pests. Repeat this weekly until the pests are gone.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for a Black Rose Aeonium.
Cultural problems can cause massive damage to Black Roses, including leaf loss. Soggy soil and over-watering are perhaps the most common and serious cultural issues for these succulents. Too much water will drown the roots and may lead to root rot, particularly during cold weather.
Learn more at Why Are Leaves Falling Off My Black Rose?
Origin
This succulent is a popular cultivar of Aeonium arboreum. It is found in a nursery in Leiden (Netherlands). The cultivar name "Zwartkop" comes from the Dutch word, meaning "black head." It can also refer to the German word "Schwartzkopf" or "Schwarzkopf," both of which mean "black head."
Forms and Hybrids
- Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'
- Aeonium 'Cyclops'
- Aeonium 'Garnet'
- Aeonium 'Jack Catlin'
- Aeonium 'Plum Purdy'
- Aeonium simsii × arboreum 'Zwartkop'
- Aeonium 'Velour'
- Aeonium 'Zwartkin'
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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