Scientific Name
Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum f. nigrum 'Schwarzkopf'
Common Name(s)
Black Rose, Black Beauty, Black Tree Aeonium, Black Aeonium
Synonym(s)
Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum, Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkopf', Aeonium arboreum var. artopurpureum 'Schwarzkopf'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Aeonium
Flower
Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mid-spring to early summer
Description
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkopf' is a striking succulent with gray-brown stems that often branch near the base. It grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. The long bare stems hold large terminal rosettes of very dark purple, almost black leaves. The rosettes are up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Flowers are bright yellow, star-shaped, and appear in large conical clusters.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Water Black Roses deeply until the water drains through the bottom of the container about once a week from March through September. Allow the soil to dry until it's slightly moist at the root level between waterings. During the winter, reduce watering to once a month. Black Roses planted in the ground require less watering than container plants, so feel the soil a few inches down near the roots to check for moisture. If it feels completely dry, water deeply.
Fertilize with water-soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month from May through September.
Spray Black Roses thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil at the first sign of aphids or pests. Repeat this weekly until the pests are gone.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Cultural problems can cause massive damage to Black Rose plants, including leaf loss. Soggy soil and over-watering are perhaps the most common and serious cultural issues for Black Rose plants because too much water will drown the roots and lead to root rot, particularly during cold weather.
See more at Why Are Leaves Falling Off My Black Rose?
Origin
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkopf' is a popular cultivar of Aeonium arboreum.
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.