Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkopf’ – Black Rose Bonsai – Colorado Rocky Mountain Bonsai

The Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG) has a rather unusual succulent Bonsai that I just love. I mentioned to International Bonsai Master Larry Jackel DBG Bonsai Curator that I thought some succulents they had would make a good Bonsai. Well Larry must have been listening and he came up with a great example of one and turned it into a great Bonsai. There are many different types of Aeonium and he picked Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkopf’ – Black Rose to use. I like the color on this tree and the way tree shows itself off. There really is no bad side to it. I have been trying to find one for myself and all I can find are small ones. I have searched the internet and only found one instance of someone trying to use one as Bonsai. I decided not to include it here because the person in the video was literally pulling off trunks by hand. Not very professional in my opinion. Notice the use of rafia on the tree. Meallybugs do seem to like the tree. A spray bottle with half rubbing Alcohol and half water will take care them. Be sure to spray several days in a row to kill all of them. You never seem to get them all with one spraying.

I think this tree would be good for beginners for several reasons. They are not expensive, there a succulent, hard to kill, don’t need wiring, are interesting and they flower. The only problem is finding a big one to start with.