About

Androsace sempervivoides is a low-growing evergreen perennial that forms a dense mat. In spring, it produces clusters of flowers measuring around 10 mm across, displaying shades of pink to mauve-pink with yellow centers. As the flowers mature, the centers transition to red, and the stems also take on a reddish hue.

About the genus

Androsace comprises annuals, biennials, or evergreen perennials that create mat-like or dense cushion formations. The flowers, which are typically salver-shaped, can appear individually or in clusters known as umbels.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Alpine Rockery
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
Up to 10 cm
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
Native to
Kashmir, Tibet
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in a scree bed, in vertical crevices in rock or in moist but gritty, well-drained soil, or in containers
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in an open cold frame as soon as ripe or in autumn. Root single rosettes as cuttings in early to midsummer. Keep moist but water from below to avoid wetting the rosettes
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free. May be susceptible to aphids under glass
Disease resistance
Vulnerable to fungal diseases in damp conditions. Remove dead rosettes to reduce the risk of infection