Plant of the Month for Nov 2024

Sempervivum calcareum

Description and General Information:

Sempervivum calcareum is native to the southern Alps, especially the French Alps, where it grows among rocky slopes, crevices and cliffs.  The rosettes can reach up to 12 cm across, but most cultivars are under 10 cm. The foliage is often grey-green to blue-green, typically with reddish tips. Flowers stems arise to 20 cm. topped with a cluster of white to pale pink star-0like flowers with contrasting reddish-pink stamens.

Blooming Season:

June to July

Cultivation:

As a rule, Sempervivum are easily grown in any sunny, well-drained site.  This species is no exception. It is more tolerant to winter wet than many Sempervivum. Being somewhat small in size, it is ideal for crevice gardens and alpine troughs. Hardy to zone 5.

Propagation:

Like most Sempervivum, this species freely produces offsets that are easily separated from the parent plant.  Large clumps may also be divided at anytime during the growing season.

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