 Aeonium manriqueorum 'Zwartkop'
- flowering season: rarely flowers
- height: after several years a plant can reach 3 to 4 feet, in a large pot
- Light requirements: full sun for the richest, darkest coloring
- Soil requirements: average
- Water requirments: drought tolerant
- Growth habit: will grow into a small shrub-like plant within several years
- How to propagate: tip cuttings - tip cuttings can be rooted at any time from spring to fall; when first cut, be sure to let the cut ends dry out well before replanting
- Leaf type: thick, succulent leaves
- Ways to use it such as in a pot or otherwise: grows well in a pot, and you can gradually move up to a larger and larger pot if you want a large plant; it will also be content to live in a smaller pots for several years
- Special characteristics: the dark leaves will have the darkest color when grown in strong sunlight; they contrast nicely with plants of other colors
- Other points of interests: it makes a good conversation piece in the garden; it can also be planted in the ground for the summer and repotted in fall
(usually pronounced ee-'oh-nee-um) This succulent is prized for its dark, uniquely colored leaves that in strong light will be purplish black. The leaves can be less dark and more green when dormant during winter or when grown in partial shade. It is a branching shrub that will reach three to four feet in height over several years. It is a good summer bedding plant since its architectural shape contrasts well with most other bedding plants, and can also be used effectively planted in containers. Water sparingly especially in winter, because it is adapted to dry conditions and its succulent leaves store water for use during dry periods. Because the species is native to the Canary Islands, off the coast of North Africa it cannot take much cold, although it is said to survive to 25-30°F. We can only guess at the origin of the name, "zwartkop." There is a bird, an European warbler with the common name of "blackcap," Sylvia atricapilla, that may winter in North Africa, possibly having something to do with the naming of this plant. |
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