Origin:
A mutation of Aeonium ‘Zwartkin’.
Known names:
‘Black Tea’ (the most widely used name), 红茶, ‘Zwartkin Brown’, ‘Zwartkin The Brown’, 铜壶棕锦, ‘Black Tea Variegated’ and ‘Black Tea Variegata’.
Creation date / Creator:
Marketed from 2023 in China.
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Black Tea’ is a variegated mutation of Aeonium ‘Zwartkin’. Still relatively recent in cultivation, it is distinguished by an unusual colour development that gives it a clear identity among the many cultivars in this lineage.
Its habit resembles that of its parent, with balanced rosettes carried on sturdy stems and regular growth.
Luminous variegation during active growth
In winter, when growing conditions are favourable and light remains moderate, the foliage displays a green central band surrounded by broad cream-yellow lateral areas.
This pattern resembles that of many modern variegated Aeoniums while retaining the morphological characteristics of ‘Zwartkin’. Young rosettes show an especially luminous contrast between the chlorophyllous and variegated tissues.
Spectacular copper colouring
As light, temperatures and water stress increase, Aeonium ‘Black Tea’ progressively reveals its defining characteristic.
The pale areas develop a particularly warm copper-red colour, recalling the colour of oxidised black-tea leaves and probably inspiring its name.
This metallic colouring combines copper, mahogany and deep-red shades. It differs noticeably from the clearer reds and pinks seen in most other variegated Aeoniums.
Under stronger summer conditions, the copper shade gradually develops into a more intense red, giving the plant a striking appearance.
Cultivation and behaviour
Early observations suggest behaviour comparable to that of many cultivars derived from ‘Zwartkin’:
- Growth: normal;
- Offset production: good;
- Vigour: satisfactory;
- Sensitivity: no particular weakness observed to date.
Like all Aeoniums, it remains sensitive to freezing temperatures and prefers a perfectly free-draining growing medium and exposure adapted to the season.
A cultivar with notable ornamental potential
Although still recent in cultivation, Aeonium ‘Black Tea’ has already attracted collectors through a colour palette that is unusual among variegated Aeoniums.
Its copper pigmentation under strong light is a useful identifying feature and may prove to be one of the cultivar’s defining characteristics with further observation.
This profile can be expanded over future seasons as more information becomes available about its colour changes, stability and cultivation behaviour.
WINTER PHOTOGRAPHS
SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHS
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