Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop', commonly known as Black Rose or Black Rose Aeonium, is a perennial succulent with large burgundy leaves resembling flowers.
Growing Conditions
Black Rose requires full sun to develop the dark color, but it will tolerate partial shade. It is a drought-tolerant plant and prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of about seven. In winter, it produces yellow flowers and provides a colorful display in the garden, container, or a sunny window. Black Rose thrives in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 through 11. Container plants can be kept outdoors year-round.
General 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 it 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 two (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 in spring and fall.
Spray Black Rose with insecticidal soap or neem oil thoroughly at the first sign of aphids or pests. Repeat this weekly until the pests are gone.
Repotting
Repot Black Rose every two or three years in an unglazed terracotta pot that is slightly larger than the diameter of the plant. Loosen the plant carefully from its pot by grasping the base of the stem and shaking off excess media from the roots. Trim off any damaged or rotting roots with scissors or pruning shears completely.
Fill a pot with fresh potting mix, leaving room for the roots. Set the plant in the pot and lightly pack the potting mix around the base of the stem. Water the plant and place it in a sunny location.
Propagation
Growing Black Rose from cutting is the fasted method. It also allows gardeners to duplicate plants already in the garden, as the Black Rose clipping has the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Source: sfgate.com
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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