About

A vigorous evergreen perennial succulent, forming clusters of fleshy rosettes with velvety, ovate, pointed leaves that are deep red when grown in bright light. Starry pink flowers are produced on upright stems to 20cm high in summer.

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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitClump forming
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, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in sharply-drained soil with added grit, protect from excess winter wet. Colours are strongest when grown in full sun. Suitable for rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough or alpine house. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division, rooting offsets in spring and summer.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust disease (Endophyllum sempervivi)