About
A mat-forming, evergreen alpine succulent to around 20cm in height, with rosettes of large, dark purple to mahogany black leaves. Starry pink flowers on slender stalks appear above the foliage from June to August.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet. Suitable for rock gardens, scree beds, wall crevices, troughs or alpine houses. See cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to sempervivum leaf miner, slugs, snails, and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust