Aeonium arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’

black tree aeonium
Winter growing succulent, perfect for the coast. Moody purple to green leaves. Bright yellow blooms late spring through summer. Plant in well-drained soil.
Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum'Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum'Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum'Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum'
height 2–3ft
width 1–2ft
tolerates Coast, Cool Summers, Drought, Deer , Fog, Pots, Neglect, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Aeoniums are from the Mediterranean, making them a care-free plant for Bay Area gardeners. It is natural for Aeonium heads to shed lower leaves during summer, becoming smaller and more compact. Once winter rains come the heads expand, adding many new leaves. This summer stress is a wonderful seasonal change in the Mediterranean garden.

If given infrequent summer irrigation aeoniums will look more lush, retaining their winter leaves. However, over irrigation (or over fertilization) during summer months can lead to problems, such as root rot or aphids.
hardy
to		 30F
exposure Part Sun – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose, Low Needs
origin Canary Islands
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 15–17, 20–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Most Aeonium are monocarpic, meaning that a head will die once it flowers, usually replaced by the lower suckers on clumping varieties. This can often be overcome by removing the flower (but leaving the stem that held it) once the flower is past peak bloom. It will take time, but with some luck you’ll get new growth along that stem instead of having it die completely.
When over fertilized Aeonium grow lush and soft, attracting aphids.

Special Interest

Most Aeonium easily propagate from stem cuttings, just snap a stem halfway down in the fall and plant it half of the way into your soil. Wait a week to water.