Colin, I had a magnificent specimen of Aeonium arboreum 'Schwarzkopf'',
the almost black leaved form in my cacti collection. I didn't dare chop the
top off in case doing so might spoil its appearance, or kill it. It
eventually grew to just over three feet flowering on the fourth year - then
it died! This is normal with Aeoniums, once a rosette has flowered, it dies.
If all the rosettes flower at the same time the plant dies. To grow well and
produce strong, well formed rosettes, Aeoniums should have full sunlight
throughout the year. Poor light will effect the dark colouration, I would
leave all the rosettes on your plant.

Bill Brewer
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"Colin Spooner" wrote in a message:
Can anybody offer advice please.
I bought a Aeonium last year in a 5 inch pot.It is purple in colour and
was
about one foot high with one main stem.
Since then it has grown to about two feet,and although the main growth is
still upwards,there are 'sideshoots'
Should I chop the top off to encourage the head to form,or leave it?
many Thanks
Colin