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  Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum "SCHWARZKOPF"
(Syn: Aeonium manriqueorum cv. 'Zwartkop' )
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This unique species has a flair for the dramatic. Its large heads of deep purple black foliage truly stand out against other greenery. The bright yellow flowers set against the almost black foliage are very showy.
 

Description: It is a branching succulent shrub that produces magnificent, almost black-purple, leaf rosettes at the ends of its branches.
Stem: Forms grey-green beached trunk, spread 25 to 60(-100) cm.
Rosettes: Rosettes are formed at the ends of the stems.
Flowers: Light yellow flowers that form long clusters.
Blooming season: Summer.
The cultivar 'Zwartkop' is a very dark selection of Aeonium arboretum with tall arching stems and large heads of deep purple black foliage. It differs from the common Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum' which has somewhat shorter stems and smaller heads of dark reddish purple foliage. Sometimes it produces nice crested stems and seems to to change in and out of its crested mode during the years.
 


Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'


Aeonium arboreum 'atropurpureum' (standard form)

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Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops)

Scientific name:  Aeonium arboreum var artopurpureum 'Schwarzkopf'

Origin Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar) For a long time this choicest cultivar has been considered a sport of the Aeonium arboretum which originated in Holland.  It now seems that it comes from the Canary Islands, thus it then cannot be a cultivar of A. arboreum, since A. arboreum doesn't come from there. The latest theory is that it is a cultivar from A. manriqueorum.

Common Names include: Aeonium 'Blacktop',  Black rose, Black Beauty,
Black Tree Aeonium

Synonyms:  

  • Aeonium manriqueorum cv. 'Zwartkop'  (Schwarzkopf )

 

 

 


The 20 cm rosette of almost black leaves on a light grey trunk is very showy. Looks wonderful next to any blue turquoise succulent.


Cultivation: It requires gritty well drained potting mix. Water deeply but infrequently. Plants are allowed to thoroughly dry in-between waterings.  During the winter months restrict water to about once a month, or just enough to keep the foliage from shrivelling. Position in full to part sun in a sheltered spot, but the bright light enhances the rich hues of the darker Aeoniums, and the subtle blushes of the other colours, but prefers light shade to shade in summer. The plants tend to go dormant in the summer and look a little tired sometimes, but they perk up again in the fall. Summer is the natural dormant season for this species in its native land. Needs protection from severe winter frosts (Hardy to -2°C or a little less for short periods), over winter under glass in all but the mildest of gardens.

Propagation: Aeonium arboreum var atropurpureum 'Schwarzkopf' is easily propagated by cuttings in the spring. When the stem becomes too tall, just cut the top rosette with a piece of stem and plant it. It will soon take root, while the plant left with just the stem will soon grow new buds that can be in turn used for propagation. Time to take cuttings: April to July

Use: Aeoniums make excellent summer bedding plants, since their architectural shape contrasts well with most other bedding plants. They can also be used effectively planted in containers.

 

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of Aeonium arboreum.
 

 

 

Photo gallery: Alphabetical listing of Cactus and Succulent pictures published in this site.

Photo gallery AEONIUM

 

Home | E-mail | Plant files | Mail Sale Catalogue | Links | Information | Search

All the information and photos in cactus art files are now available also in the new the Encyclopaedia of Succulents. We hope you find this new site informative and useful.