About
Sempervivum arachnoideum, the cobweb houseleek, is an evergreen perennial forming a mat of fleshy rosettes 1�3 cm across with green or reddish leaves joined at the tips by white, cobweb-like hairs. Starry, pink flowers 1 cm across are produced in flat cymes on stems to 12 cm in summer. One of the most distinctive and popular of all houseleeks for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or wall.
About the genus
Sempervivum, the houseleeks, are evergreen perennials forming spreading mats of fleshy-leaved rosettes, often attractively coloured or tipped, with star-shaped, pink or pale-yellow flowers in summer. Excellent and easy-care plants for a sunny, well-drained rock garden, wall, trough or container.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Cactus Succulent
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toPyrenees to Carpath.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet. Suitable for rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough or alpine house
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring, or root offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust