About
A mat-forming, evergreen succulent producing open rosettes to 4cm across, of yellowish-green finely hairy leaves, bright yellow in spring and early summer, often tipped red. Tall spikes of starry red-purple flowers produced from mature rosettes, die off after flowering in summer and are replaced by new offsets.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile sharply-drained soil with added grit, in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet. Suitable for rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough or alpine house. See sempervivum cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring, or root offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to sempervivum leaf miner and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust