Description

Suggested Uses

• Full Sun Accent
• Drought-Tolerant
• Container Star
• Pollinator Friendly (when in bloom)
• Low Maintenance

Plant Details

• Botanical NameAeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ — often listed/sold as “Succulent- Aeonium Zwartkopf”.
• Common NameBlack Rose Aeonium; also marketed as “Succulent- Aeonium”.
• Size & Growth1.5–3 ft tall and 1.5–2.5 ft wide over time; rosettes 6–8 in across; branching, tree-like habit.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA 9b–11. Protect from frost below ~25–30°F (-4 to -1°C); overwinter indoors in colder regions.
• Foliage TypeEvergreen succulent rosettes; deepest coloration with strong light and cooler temps.
• Bloom TimeLate winter to late spring on mature plants; bright yellow, starry inflorescences.
• Growth RateModerate (fastest fall–spring); can slow in summer heat when semi-dormant.
• Light RequirementsFull sun to very bright light. Aim for 4–6+ hours of direct sun outdoors; strongest possible light indoors.

• Attracts PollinatorsYes — flowers draw bees and beneficial hoverflies.
• Indoor FriendlyYes, with abundant light (south window or grow lights 12–14 hrs/day).
• Container FriendlyExcellent in pots, bowls, and modern planters; ensure fast drainage and heavy base to prevent tipping.
• Deer ResistantGenerally deer-resistant, though not deer-proof in times of scarcity.
• Pet WarningConsidered non-toxic to cats/dogs; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Avoid chewing on rosettes.
• FragrantNo notable fragrance; grown for foliage and form.
• Cut FlowerUncommon. Flower stalks or wired rosettes can add architectural interest in arrangements.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Echeveria, Sedum, Crassula, Curio/Senecio, Aloe, Agave (small forms), Kalanchoe, Portulacaria.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsUse a pot with drainage. Set at same depth as in the nursery pot; do not bury the rosette. Space 18–24 in in beds. Backfill with gritty mix and top with mineral mulch to keep the crown dry.
• Soil MoistureWater deeply, then allow 50–75% of the mix to dry. Active season (fall–spring): every 7–14 days depending on light/temperature. Summer heat dormancy: water lightly every 2–4 weeks to prevent shriveling.
• Soil TypeFast-draining cactus/succulent mix amended with 30–50% pumice/perlite or coarse grit; pH near neutral is ideal.
• HumidityLow to average household humidity; ensure airflow. Avoid persistent leaf wetting in cool conditions.
• Pruning InstructionsRemove spent flower spikes and any dead lower leaves. Tip-prune or cut back leggy stems in spring to encourage branching; re-root healthy cuttings.

• Winter CareProtect from frost. Move containers indoors to a bright, cool room (50–65°F) or use frost cloth outdoors. Reduce watering and keep soil barely moist.
• Planting DepthPlant so the stem base is level with the soil surface; keep the rosette above gravel mulch to avoid rot. For cuttings, allow callus 2–5 days, then insert 1–2 in deep.
• FertilizationLight feeder. Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer at 1/4 strength monthly during active growth (fall–spring); none in summer dormancy.
• Special CareRotate containers for even color; provide 4–6+ hrs sun to maintain dark foliage. Avoid water pooling in rosettes. Monitor for mealybugs/aphids; treat early with isopropyl swabs or insecticidal soap.
• 
  Light Key

  Indoors, supplement with a full-spectrum LED (PPFD ~150–300 µmol/m²/s) if windows provide less than 6 hours of sun.