Aeonium Black Rose
Best low-maintenance succulent for gardeners seeking dramatic, dark architectural foliage.
The Aeonium Black Rose, scientifically known as Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop', is a striking succulent prized for its unique appearance. It features rosettes of deep purple, almost black, leaves atop tall stems, resembling dark roses. In spring, it produces clusters of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers. This plant thrives in full sun, though it benefits from partial shade in very hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. It prefers well-drained, gritty soil and requires low water, with reduced watering during summer dormancy. It's an excellent choice for containers or landscape designs, offering low maintenance and high visual impact.
$24.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1020
/ 2713
#1020 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-43%
Below average
Mature Height
13.
/ - ft
Who it's for
- Collectors seeking a striking, high-contrast statement piece
- Busy beginners needing a low-maintenance, resilient succulent
- Eco-conscious gardeners prioritizing water-wise, drought-tolerant landscaping
Who should skip it
- Indoor gardeners lacking access to bright, direct sunlight
- Residents in regions with harsh, freezing winter climates
- New growers expecting consistent year-round growth and vibrancy
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep purple rosettes provide a dramatic, architectural focal point for gardens.
Maintenance Ease
Low water needs and simple care make this ideal for beginners.
Drought Tolerance
Thrives with minimal irrigation once established in well-drained soil.
Versatility
Adapts perfectly to both decorative containers and outdoor landscape beds.
Seasonal Interest
Spring blooms offer a bright, star-shaped contrast to the dark foliage.
Climate Adaptability
Best suited for warmer zones; requires protection in colder, frost-prone regions.
Key Specs
Mature Height
1-3 ft.
Mature Width
1-2 ft.
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Watering
Low
Grows Well in Zones
9, 10, 11
Flowering Season
Spring
Features
- Striking rosettes of nearly black foliage
- Produces bright yellow star-shaped flowers in spring
- Low maintenance requirements
- Drought-tolerant
- Suitable for containers and landscape planting
- Unique architectural form
- Unique dark foliage
- Easy care
- Drought tolerant
- Spring blooms
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Aeonium Black Rose by Plants Express for its exceptional quality upon arrival and striking aesthetic appeal. Many reviewers highlight receiving healthy, vibrant plants that are well packaged, often exceeding expectations in size and color. The plant's unique dark foliage is a significant draw, contributing to its high visual impact and making it a cherished addition to various plant collections. This strong initial impression underscores a reliable product delivery and a beautiful specimen.
Know before you buy
The foliage color is light-dependent. While it maintains a deep purple-black hue in full sun, the leaves may turn greener if the plant is kept in too much shade.
Yes, it can grow indoors if placed in a very bright, south-facing window. However, it typically performs best outdoors where it can receive the intense sunlight required to maintain its dark color.
This succulent prefers a 'soak and dry' method, meaning you should water thoroughly only when the soil has dried out completely. Be especially careful to reduce watering during its summer dormancy period to prevent root rot.
Use a well-draining, gritty potting mix specifically formulated for succulents or cacti. Proper drainage is essential to prevent the roots from sitting in excess moisture.
The Aeonium Black Rose is only hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11. If you live in a region with freezing temperatures, it is best to keep the plant in a container so you can move it indoors during the winter.
Aeoniums are monocarpic, meaning the specific rosette that produces the flower stalk will eventually die after blooming. However, the plant often produces offsets or 'pups' around the base that will continue to grow.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.