About
This mat-forming, succulent perennial with rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves to 8cm across. The rosettes die after flowering but are replaced by offsets on lateral runners. In summer it produces a 15cm tall flowerspike bearing starry pink flowers. The foliage is very dark red, almost black in spring, developing a greener centre to the rosette later in the year.
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 hardinessH6
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 usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in full sun. In pots use a 50:50 mix of peat-free, loam-based potting compost and grit. Protect from excessive winter wet. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by removal of offsets in spring and early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust diseases