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.
First time customers... Please read our Shipping Guide, in top or bottom menu, before placing your order.
Please Note:
- All plants are sent bare rooted with no pots and soil, or minimum soil only.
- Due to the drying process necessary for sending plants through the mail, plants may look slightly different than images shown on our website
- Some plants, may look wrinkled when they arrive, may be somewhat limp, or soft to the touch. This is normal as they have been dried out for for a number of days before shipping to avoid rotting in the mail.
- Succulents are very hardy plants and they will recover quickly, providing you unpack them as soon as you receive them follow some simple care instructions you will find with your order.
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