About

Forms evergreen rosettes of pointed dark green leaves tipped with dark red. Although individual rosettes die after flowering, offsets ensure the plant continues. Young leaves at the centre of the rosettes are dark red.

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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Cactus Succulent
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens

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 (cultivars may not come true), or root offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust