Aeonium 'Zwartkop'
ABOUT
Aeonium 'Zwartkop', commonly known as Black Rose or Black Tree Aeonium, is a striking succulent with a distinguished appearance. This plant is characterized by its deep, almost black-purple, glossy rosettes that resemble the look of flowers. Each rosette is comprised of many fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that come together in a circular, symmetrical pattern. The leaves at the center of each rosette are more tightly bunched, while those at the edges may splay outward slightly. The color of Black Rose is its most notable feature; the dark foliage gives it a dramatic, mysterious allure that contrasts sharply with the otherwise bright and light greenery commonly found in succulent collections. When exposed to full sun, the leaves become even darker, enhancing this bewitching aesthetic. Texture-wise, the plant's leaves are smooth and have a waxy coating, which helps in retaining moisture. In certain conditions, the plant may bloom, producing small, star-shaped flowers that grow in clusters above the foliage on elongated stems, adding yet another layer of interest to this already captivating plant. These flowers are usually a contrasting color, such as yellow, which stands out against the dark foliage. Overall, Black Rose makes a bold statement with its rosette's rich hue and elegant structure, making it a prized plant for enthusiasts and an attractive specimen for ornamental display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Black Rose, Black Beauty, Black Tree Aeonium, Black Head, Schwarzkopf
Common names
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop', Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum 'Zwartkop', Aeonium manriqueorum 'Zwartkop'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Black Rose is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, consuming any part of the plant is not advised as it may cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. There are no severe toxicity symptoms associated with this plant.
To pets
The Black Rose is also non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Nevertheless, ingestion of the plant can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting or diarrhea, especially if consumed in large quantities. It is advisable to prevent pets from eating the plant to avoid these uncomfortable but typically not serious symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Purple
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Aeonium 'Zwartkop', also known as Black Rose, has striking dark purple to black foliage, providing a dramatic visual impact in any garden or indoor space.
- Drought Tolerance: It is a succulent and is therefore highly tolerant of drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-conserving gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Black Rose requires minimal care, is easy to grow, and is generally pest-resistant, ideal for those who prefer low-maintenance gardening.
- Adaptability: This plant can adapt to a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage, and it can thrive in both container gardens and rocky grounds.
- Seasonal Interest: Aeonium 'Zwartkop' can bloom with conical flowers in the spring, adding a seasonal interest to its already captivating foliage.
- Propagation Ease: It is easily propagated through cuttings, which makes it simple to create more plants for expanding your garden or sharing with others.
- Year-Round Interest: In mild climates, Black Rose retains its leaves year-round, providing a constant ornamental feature in the landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aeonium 'Zwartkop' can be used as a natural art medium; the vibrant rosettes and dark foliage provide a unique texture and color contrast for plant-based art installations.
- These plants can act as natural jewelry; with their striking appearance, small cuttings can be incorporated into living brooches, rings, or necklaces.
- The resilient nature of Aeonium 'Zwartkop' makes it suitable for green roofing projects where its drought tolerance helps to reduce water usage.
- They can be employed for educational purposes in schools, teaching children about plant care, succulent propagation, and the importance of drought-resistant gardening.
- Their striking appearance can be used for photographic subjects or models in botanical photography, enhancing composition with their sculptural form.
- Aeonium 'Zwartkop' can be used in ornamental topiaries, to add a dark contrast amidst other green plants in elaborate garden designs.
- It can serve as a natural ornament during the Halloween season, with its dark leaves adding to a spooky-themed decor.
- By using cuttings, one can create eco-friendly greeting cards or invitations with a touch of live greenery for various events.
- The plant can play a role in a sensory garden, where the rosettes offer a unique tactile experience for visitors to touch and explore.
- They are also used in minimalist landscaping designs, complementing modern aesthetics with their form and color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Black Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Black Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Aeonium 'Zwartkop', also known as Black Rose, is known for its ability to thrive in harsh, arid conditions, symbolizing the ability to persevere through challenging times.
- Mystery and Elegance - Its deep purple to black foliage is associated with a sense of mystery and unconventional beauty, much like the black rose in floral symbolism, suggesting a sophisticated and elegant aura.
- Transformation - This plant goes through noticeable changes as it grows, with leaves that can look almost black under the full sun, representing transformation and adaptation to the surroundings.
WaterThe Black Rose Aeonium requires thorough watering, but it’s essential to let the soil dry out between waterings. As a succulent, it's best to use the 'soak and dry' method, which involves giving the plant a good soak, ensuring that water runs out of the drainage holes of the pot, then waiting until the top two inches of soil are dry before watering again. During the active growth season in spring and autumn, watering once a week with about 8-12 ounces of water might be sufficient, but always check the soil's moisture level first. In the winter dormancy period, water sparingly, about once a month or less, and always avoid waterlogging as this can cause root rot.
LightThe Black Rose Aeonium prefers a sunny to partially shaded location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is a south or west-facing window if grown indoors, which provides bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight is beneficial, but in extremely hot climates, protection from intense afternoon sun can prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureThe Black Rose Aeonium thrives in temperatures ranging from 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees but should be protected from frost, which can be detrimental. The ideal temperature range for optimum growth is between 65 and 75 degrees, generously providing warm, stable conditions without extreme fluctuations.
PruningPruning the Black Rose Aeonium is primarily done to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to encourage a more compact, bushy growth form. It is best to prune at the end of the dormant period, just before the growth season begins, which typically is in early spring. Pruning once a year or when the plant appears leggy is usually sufficient. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make precise cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAeonium 'Zwartkop', commonly known as Black Rose, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix that can be made by combining equal parts of cactus potting mix, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. The ideal soil pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingBlack Rose should be repotted every two to three years or when it has outgrown its current pot. The best time to repot is during its dormant season, which is generally in the cooler winter months.
Humidity & MistingBlack Rose prefers a dry climate with low humidity levels, emulating its native environment. It is well adapted to typical indoor humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Black Rose in bright, indirect light indoors and let soil dry between watering.
Outdoor
Grow Black Rose in full to partial sun and protect from frost and excess moisture.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleAeonium 'Zwartkop', commonly known as Black Rose or Black Tree Aeonium, starts its life cycle as a seed, which germinates under suitable conditions – warm temperature and slightly moist soil. The seedling develops into a rosette of dark purple to black leaves and grows a succulent stem over time. During its growth phase, which can span several years, the Black Rose will produce offsets or pups around its base, propagating asexually. Once mature, typically within three to five years, it blooms in the late winter to spring, sending up a tall flower spike with yellow star-shaped flowers. After flowering, which is the peak of its life cycle, the main rosette typically dies, but the plant continues its lineage through the offsets. The offsets then grow into new, independent plants, thus continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Aeonium 'Zwartkop', also known as Black Rose, can be propagated primarily through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is during the plant's active growing season, which typically falls in the spring or early summer. To propagate Black Rose using cuttings, a healthy leaf or a stem section is chosen. The cut is made with a sharp, clean tool just below a rosette of leaves, and then the cutting is allowed to dry for several days to form a callus over the cut surface, which helps to prevent rot. After the callus has formed, the cutting is planted in well-draining soil and watered sparingly until roots develop, which can take several weeks. During this time, it's important to provide bright, indirect light and maintain a temperature around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 18-24 degrees Celsius).
