Overview
Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz' is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Sempervivum, part of the Crassulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and rock garden.
About
Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz' is a mat-forming perennial succulent belonging to the genus Sempervivum, known for its evergreen rosettes that persist year-round. This cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained, gritty soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, and is hardy to UK zone H5. It is suitable for rock gardens, patios, and informal cottage gardens, tolerating a range of soil pH levels and exposure conditions. Like other Sempervivum, it produces star-shaped flowers in summer and is extremely drought-tolerant once established.
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
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz'
- Propagation
- Propagate by removal of offsets in spring and early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to vine weevil larvae
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz'?
Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz' need?
Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz' 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.
Is Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz' hardy in the UK?
Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz' 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 'Benz'?
Propagate by removal of offsets in spring and early summer.
More in the Sempervivum genus
- Sempervivum 'Black'
- Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Red Papaver'
- Sempervivum arachnoideum subsp. tomentosum 'Minor'
- Sempervivum borissovae
- Sempervivum marmoreum 'Brunneifolium'
- Sempervivum tectorum 'Red Flush'
- Sempervivum 'Bellotts Pourpre'
- Sempervivum 'Big Slipper'