About

Sempervivum wulfenii, Wulfen's houseleek, is a naturally occurring alpine houseleek forming the characteristic fleshy rosettes and producing the star-shaped, yellow flowers of the genus in summer. A rewarding and easy-care houseleek for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or alpine trough.

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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Cactus Succulent
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toEurope

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet. Suitable for rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough or alpine house
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring, or root offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust