Overview
Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby' is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Sempervivum, part of the Crassulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and rock garden.
About
Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby' is a mat-forming cultivar of the Sempervivum genus, known for its evergreen succulent rosettes that persist year-round. As a member of the Crassulaceae family, it thrives in full sun and well-drained, gritty soils including chalk, loam, and sand, tolerating a range of soil pH from acid to alkaline. This hardy alpine rockery plant is suitable for exposed or sheltered sites and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. It is ideal for cottage gardens, rock gardens, patios, and containers, providing interest throughout all seasons.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sempervivum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby'
- Propagation
- Propagate by removal of offsets in spring and early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to vine weevil larvae
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby'?
Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby' need?
Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby' hardy in the UK?
Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Sempervivum 'Purple Ruby'?
Propagate by removal of offsets in spring and early summer.
More in the Sempervivum genus
- Sempervivum 'Black'
- Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Red Papaver'
- Sempervivum arachnoideum subsp. tomentosum 'Minor'
- Sempervivum borissovae
- Sempervivum calcareum 'Benz'
- Sempervivum marmoreum 'Brunneifolium'
- Sempervivum tectorum 'Red Flush'
- Sempervivum 'Bellotts Pourpre'