Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Zwartkin'
Synonym(s)
Aeonium 'Zwartkind', Aeonium 'Zwartkint', Aeonium 'Zwartzkin'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The hybrid name was misspelled as "Zwartkind" in the original list and again as "Zwartkint." However, Jack Catlin intended to name it "Zwartkin" as a portmanteau of "Zwartkop" (the name of one of its parents) and "kin."
Origin
Aeonium 'Zwartkin' is a hybrid created by Jack Catlin. It is a sibling of Aeonium 'Garnet' and Aeonium 'Jack Catlin' and results from a cross between Aeonium tabuliforme and Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'.
Description
Aeonium 'Zwartkin' is a stunning succulent that forms flat, disc-like rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves with beautiful burgundy coloration. Its rosettes are larger than Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' and are more cupped than Aeonium tabuliforme. The new leaves emerge green, and the reach burgundy coloration appears as new growth hardens off in spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aeoniums do not like hot or dry weather. Therefore, they may go dormant in summer and not require any water except in arid conditions. In extreme heat, their leaves will curl to prevent excessive water loss. Growing them in moist shade will keep them growing, but their 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.
A sandy loam or regular potting mix is better than a mix specifically for cacti and succulents since Aeoniums need some moisture. If you grow them in containers, repot them with fresh potting soil every 2 to 3 years.
Feed during the growing season with a half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so. Do not feed while dormant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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