Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' ('Schwarzkopf')
Plant Common Name
Tree Aeonium, Zwartkop Aeonium
General Description
A wonderful plant for color and textural interest, Zwartkop tree aeonium is a heat- and drought-tolerant succulent that originates from Morocco. The words "zwartkop" or "schwarzkopf" mean "black rose or head," referring to the dark leaf clusters. Its branched stems are upright, each bearing a tight rosette of spoon-shaped near-black leaves. A leaf is rich in very dark red pigments, making it look black from a distance. In the spring, each mature rosette develops an upright stalk that reaches above the foliage. The stalk is topped with a dense cluster of bright yellow flowers. The blossoms are fragrant and numerous, each with many thin petals. The flower clusters and stalks make the plant look like it's carrying torches or drumsticks. The yellow flowers are exceptionally showy juxtaposing the dark foliage rosettes.
Appropriate for nearly full sun to partial shade and highly drought tolerant, 'Zwartkop' requires perfectly drained, average to gritty garden soil. Keep the soil dry most of the year, including the hottest times of summer when the plant becomes semi-dormant. In frost-free climates, growth occurs in the milder weather from fall to late spring. Where hardy, it is commonly grown as an outdoor rock garden perennial, but it also makes a striking houseplant for a sunny window. Overly dry soil coupled with hot, intense, all-day sun can scald or stunt plants in arid climates. Protect from high humidity, too much rain or irrigation, and subfreezing temperatures to avoid leaf or stem dieback.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
9 - 4
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
-
Sunset Zone
15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
-
Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
-
Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring
-
Native To
Morocco
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Tolerances
Drought, Salt
-
Growth Rate
Medium
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Habit
Upright/Erect
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
Yellow, Lemon Yellow
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Red, Black
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Red, Black
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Red, Black
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Red, Black
-
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Coarse
-
Foliage Sheen
Glossy
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
No
