Care

Location

Sempervivums are fond of a sunny location but partial shade is also fine. Take into account that a Sempervivum needs at least half a day (4-6 hours) of sunlight. Too much shade results in dull colours and the plants become spindly. Make sure you plant them in free-draining soil because Sempervivums dislike excessive moisture. Stony ground ensures good drainage. In its natural state, Sempervivum grows mainly in very poor soil. The species from the Alps and the Dolomites do not require soil which is too rich because in their natural habitat they grow on stony ground and on rocks. The species from the Caucasus and the Balkan are slightly more demanding and need rather fertile soil and good draining. You can add liquid fertiliser occasionally, but a slow-release solid fertiliser is better. The Sempervivum can grow in the same soil for several years, but for optimum growth you should re-pot the plant now and again and remove the withered flowers.

Temperature

Sempervivum is a succulent, but unlike other succulents the plant is winter-hard. Species from the Caucasus, Turkey and North Africa need protection during the winter months. Sempervivum Odettii, for example, is not resistant to water and frost. These species should either be covered during the winter or moved to a cold greenhouse or a patio. You can find the characteristics of each species in the plant data sheets on our website.

 

 

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