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Aeonium arboreum – schwarzkopf
Also known as: Purple Crest Aeonium, Black Tree Aeonium, Zwartskop, Schwarzkopf, Schwartzkopf
Family: Crassulaceae

This stunning succulent won an enduring place in my garden by making me laugh. The composite daisy cone-head swimming cap flower never failed to make me smile throughout its long bloom. Even when not in bloom, its burgundy/plum leaves form a rosette shape that appeals year round.

Though planted in the NZ Natives area, this one is more likely native to the Canary Islands. Aeonium comes from the Greek “aionos, meaning immortal. Schwarzkopf means “black head” in German.

Planting notes from specimens purchased to replace the yellow bush lupine on 21 January 2010: Bushy perennial succulent with stems each crowned by a rosette of narrow purple leaves. Bears golden pyramids of flowers in spring on 2/3 year old stems. Height 60cm x 1m spread.

Wildchicken notes the plant is “very easy to propagate from cuttings. Cut off a rosette and let it harden off for three days. Then the cutting can be planted directly into a well-drained mix to root.”

• Aeonium Zwartkop in Dave’s Garden PlantFiles