Aeonium arboreum Atropurpureum
Aeonium arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’ is an evergreen succulent with magnificent rosettes of glossy, fleshy, dark-purple leaves. If grown in full sun, the foliage of this Aeonium turns almost black, adding incredible drama and interest to the garden or containers.
Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum' is an evergreen succulent with magnificent rosettes of glossy, fleshy, dark-purple leaves. If grown in full sun, the foliage of this Aeonium turns almost black, adding incredible drama and interest to the garden or containers. In part shade, the rosettes are reddish purple with a green center. Attractive when not blooming, this Aeonium is particularly striking when it produces bright golden racemes of small, star-shaped flowers in summer.
- Grows into a shrub-like plant, up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) in areas where this plant is hardy enough to overwinter. If grown in containers, it will grow as large as the container allows.
- Easily grown in sandy, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade and poor soils. While drought tolerant, Aeoniums require more regular watering than other succulents since they have a relatively small, shallow root system.
- Aeoniums may go dormant in summer and do not require any water, except in excessively dry conditions. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. During the winter months, restrict water to just enough to keep the foliage from shriveling.
- Aeoniums are monocarpic: the rosette flowers once and dies thereafter. However, it may take several years before this happens and not all rosettes bloom at the same time.
- Excellent for rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Perfect for containers where spectacular floral arrangements can be created.
- Deer resistant and salt tolerant.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- Propagate by seed sown at 66-75ºF (19-24ºC) in spring or by cuttings of rosettes kept at 64ºF (18ºC) and barely moist until rooted.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9 – 11 |
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Heat Zones | 4 – 9 |
Climate Zones | 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Cactus – Succulents |
Plant Family | Aeonium |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 48″ – 60″ (120cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |