About

This mat-forming evergreen succulent, producing large rosettes of fleshy leaves with pointed tips and fine hairs along the edges. Leaves are vivid green in the centre of the rosette, with a red flush at the base that spreads as the leaves flatten out.

About the genus

Sempervivum are evergreen perennials forming mats of fleshy-leaved rosettes, often attractively coloured, with star-shaped pink or pale yellow flowers in summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in full sun. In pots use a 50:50 mix of peat-free, loam-based potting compost and grit. Protect from excessive winter wet. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by rooting offsets in spring and early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil larvae and sempervivum leaf miner
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust diseases