Sempervivum ‘Red Heart’
house leek
Hardy rosette succulent perfect for pots, rock and vertical gardens, and accents. Showy pinkish flowers mark end of lifespan.
 Height | 2–5in |
|---|---|
 Width | 4–12in |
 Tolerates | Cold, Drought, Narrow Planting, Pots, Rooftops, Wind |
 Water needs | Low |
Sempervivums are drought tolerant succulents, wanting to go from wet to dry, but they'll need additional water if they are grown in a particularly sunny hot spot, especially away from the coast or in a rock garden where the rocks will heat up the area. | |
 Hardy to | -15°F |
 Exposure | Part Shade – Full Sun |
 Plant traits | Edible, Ground Cover, Rock Garden, Rosette, Succulent, Suckering |
 Indoor / outdoor | Outdoor |
 Drainage | In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil |
 Fertilizing | All Purpose |
 Origin | Hybrid, Europe |
 California native | No |
 Sunset zones | 4–9, 14–24 |
Growing Notes
Sempervivums have a dense form, eventually creating a solid mat of tightly packed rosettes.
Sempervivums have such a shallow root system that they almost seem detached at times, and in fact this is by design, allowing them to roll or be blown to a new location, where they can begin a new life. Don't be discouraged if you find your sempervivum growing on long thin 'branches'! This is usually a sign that the plant has filled its pot/rock/crack and is heading out for a new home.
Each rosette will eventually throw off a short unfurling spike of star-shaped flowers. Afterwards that head will die off, replaced by pups, and it can be removed. Sempervivums bloom during summer months.
Special Interest
Sempervivum means 'long-lived,' attesting to this plant's durability in the garden and ability to grow in tough conditions with little soil.
The common name 'house leek' refers to sempervivum's usefulness on living roofs and also the edibility of the young shoots, said to taste similar to cucumbers.
The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.
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