Introducing the black rose, known as Aeonium Zwartkop', a beautiful variety of Aeonium arboreum. The name "Black Rose" comes from its leaves, which have a deep purple-black tint that resembles roses. It is not a rose, but a succulent plant from the Crassulaceae family.

The black rose Aeonium zwartkop has several other common names, such as Aeonium arboreum zwartkop, Aeonium black rose, purple crest aeonium, Aeonium 'black beauty', or tree aeonium. 

Hailing from the Canary Islands and reaching 5 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter at maturity, the black rose aeonium forms clumps and is sure to make a statement wherever it's planted.

When grown in full sun, the foliage takes on a deep, almost black color, which is why it's often referred to as the "Black Rose."

When grown in partial shade, the rosettes display a beautiful combination of purple-red hues with a green center. It's such a versatile plant that can add a touch of elegance and drama to any garden or succulent collection.

The flowers of Aeonium zwartkop bloom in the spring and produce clusters of small, yellow star-shaped flowers that emerge from the center of its rosette-shaped foliage. The contrast between the dark purple-black leaves and the bright yellow flowers creates a stunning display. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, adding life and movement to your garden.

To propagate the black rose aeonium, one common method is through stem cutting. Simply take a healthy stem from the mature plants, making sure it is at least a few inches long. Allow the cutting to dry for a few days to form a callus, which helps prevent rotting. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep it lightly moist until roots develop.

With minimal water and full sun exposure requirements, this perennial is perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance addition to their garden or indoor space.   

Watering Needs 

The drought-tolerant black rose succulent can easily go a month or more without water. If they don't get enough water, the stems will start to show signs of discoloration, then start to shrivel up due to a lack of water.  If you notice this and then give them water again; the stems will swell up again as your aeonium black rose starts to absorb water into its stems. 

You should water your black rose Aeonium moderately in the growing period and sparingly in the summer during its dormant phase.  Overwatering your black rose can cause the leaves to drop off, so be careful to never water them unless the soil is dry to at least a two-inch depth.

Light Requirements 

When growing the black rose succulent indoors, it's important to provide it with bright, indirect light. Place it near a sunny window where it can receive several hours of sunlight each day. If direct sunlight is too intense, you can use a sheer curtain or move it slightly away from the window to provide some shade. Keeping it in a well-lit area will help maintain the deep coloration of its leaves and promote healthy growth.

When grown outdoors, the black rose aeonium likes a lot of sun, but it prefers to grow in areas with some partial shade during hot summer days. In full sun, the foliage of this succulent turns almost black, which is why it's often referred to as the "Black Rose." The intense sunlight brings out the deepest coloration in its leaves, creating a striking visual contrast. However, if you prefer a different look, placing it in partial shade will result in rosettes that display purple-reddish hues with a green center. This can add a unique and vibrant touch to your garden.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

It's crucial to remain cautious when picking the ideal soil for your adorable black rose succulent. This is due to the fact that excessive soil moisture may be the main factor in the early demise of the majority of succulents. 

The Aeonium zwartkop, like many other succulents, should not be exposed to excessive moisture because it can lead to stem and root rot. So, Planet Desert has a specialized succulent potting mix that includes an organic substrate with mycorrhizae to help with the growth of a healthy root system and help your succulents thrive.  

Remember that less is more when it comes to fertilizing. A small amount (5-10-5) of NPK fertilizer once a year in the spring will do wonders for your plant's health and growth. Using a natural fertilizer ensures that other beneficial compounds and microbes are added to the soil without the use of harsh chemicals. Show your succulent some love with awesome natural fertilizer and watch it thrive.  

Hardiness Zones & More 

Typically grown in hot, arid desert regions, the Aeonium black rose thrives indoors in warm, dry surroundings around 65–75°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it's best to avoid extreme cold or hot conditions. As for humidity, this succulent is adaptable and can tolerate average indoor humidity levels. However, it's important to provide good air circulation to prevent any issues with excessive moisture or stagnant air.

For outdoor cultivation, the Aeonium zwartkop is best suited in USDA zones 9–12. But they are not cold- or frost-tolerant, you should plant them indoors or put them in a pot and move them indoors during the winter if you live outside of these regions. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Aeonium zwartkop (black rose) is a unique and elegant succulent that can be a great addition to any indoor or outdoor space. Its dark foliage adds elegance and can be easily cared for with bright, indirect light indoors or full sun to partial shade outdoors. Keep your black rose aeonium away from cold, drafty windows and air vents if you are growing them indoors in a cold climate. The plant's distinctive black foliage or vibrant purple-reddish hues make it a standout in any garden or indoor decor. Its rosette-shaped leaves and compact growth habit add visual interest and can be a conversation starter.  

Be sure to add the ‘Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ (black rose succulent) to your collection today and elevate the beauty of your home or garden, with this stunning-looking plant.