Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’
Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’, also known as Black Rose or Black Tree Aeonium, is a striking award-winning succulent valued for its dark foliage, architectural form and easy-growing nature. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit and remains one of the most recognisable Aeonium cultivars.
Appearance & Growth Habit
This evergreen succulent shrub can grow to around 1 m tall and 60 cm wide, forming large glossy rosettes approximately 15–20 cm across. In cooler weather or lower light, the rosettes may appear deep red with greener centres, while strong sunlight can deepen the foliage to rich burgundy or near-black tones.
Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ develops a naturally branching, tree-like habit over time, making it especially useful as a feature plant in pots, succulent gardens and mixed landscape plantings.
Flowering
Mature rosettes may produce tall conical clusters of small yellow star-shaped flowers during spring. As with other Aeoniums, an individual flowering rosette dies after blooming, while surrounding branches and offsets continue growing.
Growing Conditions
‘Zwartkop’ performs best in full sun to light shade, with stronger light generally producing the darkest foliage. In very hot conditions, some protection from intense afternoon sun can help prevent scorching.
Grow it in a free-draining succulent potting mix and water thoroughly when needed, allowing the mix to dry between waterings. Aeoniums are most actively growing during the cooler months and may slow down or become partly dormant during hot, dry summer weather.
It will tolerate light frost once established, although protection is recommended in areas that experience heavier or prolonged frosts.
Propagation
Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Mature semi-hardwood stems generally establish readily when planted into a free-draining mix, making this an excellent variety for creating new plants or encouraging a fuller, branching specimen.
Garden & Container Use
With its dark rosettes and bold upright form, ‘Zwartkop’ makes an excellent architectural feature in terracotta pots, succulent borders, rock gardens and dry-style landscapes. Its near-black foliage also provides striking contrast alongside silver, green, yellow and variegated succulents.
Awards & Recognition
Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, recognising its outstanding ornamental value and reliable garden performance.
Aeonium 'Zwartkop' plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.
Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ cuttings are also available from time to time. To check current availability, simply follow the link below.
All plants are shipped bare rooted unless otherwise stated. Orders are carefully packed and shipped via Express Post to NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and ACT. Orders are dispatched according to our weekly shipping schedule, available on our Shipping page, with tracking provided once your order has been lodged with Australia Post.
Succulents naturally change in colour, size and form throughout the year. Many develop richer colours and more compact growth during periods of seasonal stress, particularly through cooler months and brighter conditions, while warmer or lower-light conditions may produce greener, softer growth.
The plant you receive may therefore vary from the product images depending on the season, its stage of growth and current growing conditions. These natural variations are part of the character of living plants and do not affect their quality or health.
Pickup is available in Seville, Yarra Valley VIC by appointment. Order online as normal and any shipping charge will be automatically refunded after collection, unless you would prefer to receive an additional plant of similar value instead.
Important Plant Information
All plants are shipped bare rooted unless otherwise stated. This helps reduce shipping costs, improves plant safety during transit and allows plants to travel more reliably.
Plants are carefully packed for Express Post and may vary naturally in colour, size and form according to season, growth stage and growing conditions.
Please check the product description and images for information specific to the plant you are purchasing.
If you have any questions about your plant or order, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.