About
Sempervivum nevadense, the Sierra Nevada houseleek, is a mat-forming, evergreen succulent producing compact dome-shaped rosettes to 3 cm across with thick, fleshy, green leaves edged with fine white hairs, the outer leaves red in winter and pinkish-bronze in summer. Reddish-pink flowers on tall spikes appear from mature rosettes in summer. A beautiful and rewarding houseleek for a sunny, well-drained rock garden.
About the genus
Sempervivum, the houseleeks, are evergreen perennials forming spreading mats of fleshy-leaved rosettes, often attractively coloured or tipped, with star-shaped, pink or pale-yellow flowers in summer. Excellent and easy-care plants for a sunny, well-drained rock garden, wall, trough or container.
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