Overview
Sempervivum 'Black' is a matforming, rosette-forming alpine rockery in the genus Sempervivum, part of the Crassulaceae family, with evergreen, fleshy, pointed leaves, green, grey, red foliage. Sempervivum 'Black' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough and alpine house.
About
Sempervivum 'Black' is a cultivar of the Sempervivum genus, known for its perennial, mat-forming succulent rosettes that remain evergreen throughout the year. This cultivar features fleshy, pointed leaves that contribute to dense mats, thriving in full sun and well-drained, gritty soils. Suitable for rock gardens, scree beds, wall crevices, troughs, and alpine houses, it is hardy to UK zone H5 and tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Sempervivum 'Black' is extremely drought-tolerant once established and can be propagated by offsets in spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sempervivum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Sempervivum 'Black' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Matforming, Rosette-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Fleshy, Pointed leaves, Green, Grey, Red
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Scree bed, Wall crevice, Trough, Alpine house
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sempervivum 'Black'
- Propagation
- Offsets in spring
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, Sempervivum leaf miner, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sempervivum 'Black'?
Sempervivum 'Black' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sempervivum 'Black' need?
Sempervivum 'Black' grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Sempervivum 'Black' hardy in the UK?
Sempervivum 'Black' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Sempervivum 'Black'?
Offsets in spring.
More in the Sempervivum genus
- Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Red Papaver'
- Sempervivum arachnoideum subsp. tomentosum 'Minor'
- Sempervivum borissovae
- Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz'
- Sempervivum marmoreum 'Brunneifolium'
- Sempervivum tectorum 'Red Flush'
- Sempervivum 'Bellotts Pourpre'
- Sempervivum 'Big Slipper'