Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'

Highlights

Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' (also known as 'Schwartzkopf'): Dark, glossy rosette with a Dutch name meaning "black head". It is similar to Aeonium 'Black Rose', except with lighter red-purple tones and greener centers. If kept outdoors in frost-free climates, this variety can grow up to 4.0' tall, taking on a palm-like appearance. Be sure to give it plenty of sunlight to maintain its color and form. It is semi-dormant in hot summers, and should not be watered heavily or fertilized during dormancy. After trials by the Royal Horticultural Society, 'Zwartkop' earned the Award of Garden Merit for appearance and ease of cultivation in 1993.

PLEASE NOTE: Leaves may curl or become bruised during shipping. They will recover with proper light and water and by growing and shedding old leaves. See photo examples:

 

Soft succulents will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 50% to 70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply enough for water to run out the drainage hole, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again. Aeonium like less frequent watering during their summer dormancy period.

This variety is easy to re-root from stem cuttings. Look to our Succulent Cuttings Guide for tips on succulent propagation.

Full Aeonium Guide

Product Size

2.0" Pot

Current Primary Color

Purple / Black

All Seasonal Colors

Green

Bloom Color

Yellow Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Full Sun

Maximum Height

Over 12"

Maximum Rosette Size

Over 8"

Growth Habit / Shape

Vertical Grower / Tall Stem

Seasonality

Summer Dormant Partial, Year-round Color

Special Characteristic

Easy to Propagate, Pet Safe

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+

10

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Popular Questions

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2 years ago

How do you take care of them during the summer? See answer

Aeonium - summer care See more »

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Outdoor Aeonium can go dormant in the summer heat. When dormant, the rosettes will close. This is a normal part of the plant's growth. Dormant succulents should be left alone, without water or fertilizer.

If you are growing your Aeonium indoors on a sunny windowsill, you can continue normal succulent care through summer. See full answer »

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2 years ago

Why is she brushing the succulents? See answer

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

That particular Aeonium Annie was brushing was Aeonium 'Lily Pad' and it has a very slight stickiness to the leaves that can trap dust. However, since Aeonium are sensitive to touch and can bruise easily, she was using a paint brush to remove the dust gently. Some people also like using puffs of air to remove dust or crinkle paper from shipping too. See full answer »

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3 years ago

What does shipping issues mean? See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

This tag just means that the particular plant is extra fragile, and may arrive with bruises or curled leaves due to it being jostled in transit. This damage won't be permanent and, with proper care, it will absolutely recover. However, if there is extensive damage that goes beyond mere bruising or curled leaves, feel free to take advantage of our 14 day quality guarantee! See full answer »

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3 years ago

I live in a higher zone than is approved for aeonium, should it be transplanted and kept indoors See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

No! If you live in zone 11, you can grow Aeonium plants outdoors easily.

Water will be your primary issue, as the only zone 11 places in the US are either very dry or very humid. If the issue is dryness then the solution is to simply water more. If you live in a humid area then you'll have to protect your plant from overwatering and excessive rainfall.

Sunlight will be another issue as Aeonium plants are prone to sunburn. You may need to plant these in a somewhat shadier spot in your garden. Just make sure it's not too shady or your plant may stretch. Shade cloth may help tremendously here. It'd be a good idea to read our article on sunburn so you know what to look for if your plant starts losing its vigor. See full answer »

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2 years ago

Aeonium for zone 6 See answer

Any hardy in my zone 6? See more »

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

No. Unfortunately, Aeonium are strictly frost tender plants. For a similar rosette shape that is frost hardy, check out the Sempervivum at the link below.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/semp... See full answer »

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10 months ago

Zone 8b; do you move aeoniums inside for summer? See answer

It can get up in lower 100F for awhile. Too hot? See more »

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10 months ago  •  Staff Answer

As long as they're protected from harsh light while being that hot, they'll be fine. They won't grow in those temperatures but they'll withstand them gracefully until the weather cools. See full answer »

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4 years ago

What kind of soil should I use with succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Shop Succulent Soil Here

Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.

IN POTS…

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4 years ago

When should I plant my succulents after they arrive? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.

Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.

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4 years ago

Do I need to fertilize succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.

Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength

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4 years ago

How to water succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Succulents need deep, infrequent watering, especially during their growing season and when they are young and establishing roots. Only water after the soil is completely dry and the plant feels less firm. Err on the side of underwatering. Watering too frequently is the most common way to kill succulents.

HOW TO WATER SUCCULENTS

• Drench from above using a faucet, hose, or watering can
• Do not mist with a spray bottle (the only exception is for Air Plants)
• Water until it drains from the container's drainage hole. If your container does not have a drainage hole (not recommended), use about 1/3 the volume of the container…

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