Overview
Sempervivum calcareum is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Sempervivum, part of the Crassulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Sempervivum calcareum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include rock garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants and low maintenance.
About
Sempervivium calcareum, the houseleek, is a species of flowering plant in the stonecrop family Crassulaceae, native to the southern Alps in Europe. An evergreen succulent perennial, it has a rosette with thick leaves that store water.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sempervivum calcareum
About the genus
Sempervivum is a genus of about 40 species of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, commonly known as houseleeks. Other common names include liveforever and hen and chicks, a name shared with plants of other genera as well. They are succulent perennials forming mats composed of tufted leaves in rosettes.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sempervivum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sempervivum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sempervivum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Sempervivum calcareum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sempervivum calcareum
- Propagation
- Offsets in spring
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, Sempervivum leaf miner
- Disease resistance
- Rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sempervivum calcareum?
Sempervivum calcareum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sempervivum calcareum need?
Sempervivum calcareum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Sempervivum calcareum grow?
Sempervivum calcareum reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Sempervivum calcareum hardy in the UK?
Sempervivum calcareum 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 calcareum?
Offsets in spring.
More in the Sempervivum genus
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