About

An evergreen, mat-forming perennial comprising compact rosettes of fresh green, red-tipped, hairy, oval to oblong leaves. Leafy flowering stems, to 20cm tall, bear clusters of pink flowers in summer.

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
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 usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile gritty 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 rooting offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil and sempervivum leaf miner
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust