Origin:
Derived from a mutation of Aeonium ‘Voodoo’.
Known names: ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ — the most widely used name; ‘Voodoo Brown’; ‘Voodoo Black’; ‘Voodoo Dark’; 巫毒变异锦.
Creation date / Breeder:
First commercialized in 2022 in China.
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ is a large-growing variegated Aeonium that largely retains the characteristic morphology of its parent, Aeonium ‘Voodoo’.
It develops a sturdy, relatively thick trunk topped by large rosettes of broad, long, fleshy leaves.
Its main appeal lies in the spectacular evolution of its pigmentation throughout the year.
During the winter growing season, Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ may look much more conventional than it does in summer.
When light levels remain relatively low, the leaves generally display a broad green central band bordered by narrower creamy-white lateral areas.
A narrow pink to red tint may also appear along the outer leaf margin.
At this time of year, it may look very similar to certain other variegated ‘Voodoo’ aeoniums, especially Aeonium ‘Voodoo Green’.
A spectacular transformation in sunlight
As light levels progressively increase, Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ truly reveals its character.
The outer leaves begin to accumulate red and purple pigments. Areas that were initially green gradually darken, while the margins may develop dark red, burgundy, purplish-brown, and eventually almost black tones.
Under strong light, the difference between its winter and summer appearance can be considerable.
This ability to become exceptionally dark is the defining signature of Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ and explains the various names under which it circulates: ‘Dark Angel’, ‘Voodoo Black’, ‘Voodoo Brown’, and ‘Voodoo Dark’.
A very large Aeonium
The potential size of Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ should not be underestimated.
Its parent, Aeonium ‘Voodoo’, is one of the larger cultivars in the genus. Horticultural sources commonly report stems reaching about 5 ft (1.5 m), with rosettes 12 to 16 in (30 to 40 cm) in diameter. Larger dimensions may occur under especially favorable conditions.
Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ generally retains this architecture.
It usually forms one large terminal rosette carried on a powerful trunk, with relatively little spontaneous branching.
This tall, massive silhouette readily distinguishes it from bushier variegated Aeonium cultivars.
Limited natural offset production
One important characteristic of the Aeonium ‘Voodoo’ family is its limited natural tendency to branch.
Horticultural observations of Aeonium ‘Voodoo’ indicate that it branches less readily than many other aeoniums and often retains a relatively solitary habit.
Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ appears to have retained this trait.
Growth is fairly active under favorable conditions, but the plant produces relatively few spontaneous offsets.
This also helps explain why propagation of some ‘Voodoo’ mutations may be slower than that of highly branched cultivars.
How can ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ and ‘Voodoo Green’ be distinguished?
Distinguishing Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ from Aeonium ‘Voodoo Green’ can be fairly difficult in winter.
When the plants are actively growing under relatively weak sunlight, both may display:
- a broad green central band;
- creamy-white lateral bands;
- a narrow pink or red margin;
- the long, broad leaves characteristic of the ‘Voodoo’ family.
The difference becomes much clearer as light levels increase.
In Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’, the oldest leaves and outer areas of the rosette darken considerably, eventually developing the reddish-brown, purple, and almost black tones characteristic of the cultivar.
Aeonium ‘Voodoo Green’, by contrast, retains a much greener appearance.
Correct identification is therefore best based on observing the plants over a complete season rather than relying on a winter photograph.
Growth and cultivation
Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’ shows fairly active growth for a variegated Aeonium, probably supported by the natural vigor of its parent.
No particular weakness currently appears to characterize this cultivar. The general behavior of the ‘Voodoo’ lineage should nevertheless be taken into account.
Aeonium ‘Voodoo’ is mainly active at moderate temperatures and slows considerably during hot, dry summer periods. It prefers a free-draining growing medium and bright light, but high heat can cause a marked slowdown in growth.
For Aeonium ‘Voodoo Dark Angel’, it is therefore best to seek a balance: enough light to encourage its remarkable coloration, with protection from scorching sun during periods of extreme heat, especially for container-grown plants.
As always with variegated aeoniums, gradual acclimation to sunlight is preferable.
WINTER PHOTOGRAPHS
SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHS
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