Dark, almost black rosettes on elegant, tree-like stems: ‘Zwartkop’ brings drama to pots, beds and minimal compositions. It loves sun and fast drainage, colours deeper in strong light and keeps crisp geometry year-round. Ideal for small spaces that want a statement with zero fuss: sparse watering, plenty of light and… ready for the stage.
CrassulaceaeEvergreen (summer dormancy)Full sun–bright lightLow careArborescent, many rosettes
Light
🔆 Full sun
Deeper colour in direct sun.
Water
💧 Sparse
Only when completely dry.
Temperature
🌡️ 10–32°C
Frost-sensitive — protect below 0°C.
Colour
🖤 Deep burgundy/black
Enhanced by sun & lean watering.
What makes it special
🖤 Velvety dark rosettes that “read” from afar
🌿 Tree-like, compact form with multiple heads
🪴 Excels in pots/balconies
Ideal uses
🎯 Focal point in succulent arrangements
🏙️ Minimal/modern beds and planters
🧩 Contrast with silver/blue foliage
Where to place it
Sunny balcony, terrace or bed with laser-fast drainage. It tolerates heat in full sun as long as there’s airflow and a mix that dries quickly.
What to pair it with
Curio/Senecio serpens (blue “carpet” for contrast)
Echeveria (e.g., ‘Lola’, ‘Perle von Nürnberg’)
Sedum ‘Angelina’ (gold-green highlights)
Linear grasses (Festuca glauca)
Goal: bold colour/texture contrast and consistent drainage.
Variety origin click to read
Species base: A cultivated form of Aeonium arboreum, naturally occurring in the Canary Islands.
How it arose: Selection/stabilisation of plants with high anthocyanin levels that yield deep burgundy–black foliage.
Name: “Zwartkop” = “black head” (Dutch), also sold as ‘Schwarzkopf’ in German markets.
Adoption: Popularised in European nurseries from the late 20th century and established globally as a collectible, architectural form.
1) Substrate: Succulent mix with plenty of sand/pumice (speedy drainage).
2) Watering: Deep but infrequent; allow to dry out completely between.
3) Position/Climate: Full sun, sheltered spot. Protect from frost.
🔎 Item
Info
🌿 Scientific name
Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’
🪴 Pot/Size
Pot diameter 5.5 cm
☀️ Light
Full sun to very bright indirect light
💧 Water
Sparse — only when the medium is fully dry
🌡️ Temperature
Ideally 10–32°C • Avoid frost
🖤 Colour
Deepens in strong light and with restrained watering
🐾 Toxicity
Non-toxic around children & pets
💡 Tip: For a fuller “head”, pinch tips in spring to encourage more rosettes.
🤔 Did you know? Aeoniums enter “summer dormancy”: in high heat they pause growth, then flush back into form in autumn–spring.
Why you’ll love it info
🖤 Iconic dark colour that stands out
🪴 Easy in pots with little watering
🌞 Loves sun — deeper colour
🧠 Greenleaf for nerds — anthocyanins & dormancy geek
🔎 Note: Due to natural variation, the plant you receive may differ slightly from the photo. Form, size or colouration depend on season, growing conditions and the nature of each plant.
Aeonium 'Zwartkop' 5.5cm Care & Tips
We take care of the packaging!
With specially designed boxes, we ensure that the plants will reach you intact, no matter what they encounter on the way!
All plants in 3L pots or larger are placed in individual boxes that secure the plant at the base of the pot, preventing it from tipping over.
The cardboard used for the boxes is specially made to provide resistance to potential impacts during transport.
