Genus Aeonium (Aeonium)

Aeonium tabuliforme Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

ay-OH-nee-um

Common Name: Aeonium

This genus is comprised of evergreen perennials, biennial succulents, and subshrubs with fleshy, tidy, rosette leaves. Flowers appear in spring to summer. The plants are grown in temperate greenhouses, in borders, or as house plants.
Noteworthy characteristics: Found on hillsides in Madeira, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde Islands, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. A variety of architectural rosette forms and foliage colors are represented.
Care: Outdoors, grow in moderately fertile well-drained soil in partial shade. They actively grow in winter in warmer areas. Keep dry when dormant.
Propagation: Sow seed in spring. Wait until cuttings taken in early summer are calloused, then pot in a sandy cactus mix and keep barely moist.
Problems: Aphids when flowering; mealybugs in autumn and winter.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Aeonium

Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'
(Black rose)

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Hardiness Zones:

Even those accustomed to the diversity and color of succulents are amazed by the "flowers" of black rose. They are actually burgundy-black leaves arranged in rosettes at the ends of stalklike stems. The bright yellow flowers in winter are a stunning contrast against the dark foliage. 'Zwartkop' is a wonderful backdrop plant, providing a black velvet canvas against which many companion plants shine.