Sempervivum montanum
Sempervivum montanum · Crassulaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around sempervivum montanum and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, in dense rosette
- Flowering
- Summer (July-August), yellow or pink flowers
- Adult size
- 5 to 15 cm tall, rosettes 4 to 8 cm in diameter
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20°C
- Origin
- Alps and Pyrenees
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor, gravelly or rocky
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), letting the soil dry out between waterings. In autumn and winter, drastically reduce watering. This plant tolerates drought well; excess water is its main enemy.
Light exposure
Place it in full sun for optimal leaf color and generous flowering. It tolerates partial shade but will be less compact and less colorful. Protect it from excess stagnant moisture.
Soil and drainage
Require very well-drained substrate: mix of cactus potting soil, coarse sand and gravel. On heavy or clay soil, elevate the plant or use wide but shallow pots to prevent root suffocation.
Pruning
No pruning necessary. Simply remove faded rosettes after flowering if you wish to encourage new lateral shoots. Leave most rosettes in place so they multiply naturally.
Fertilizing
Undemanding, it requires little fertilizer. In spring, a light application of diluted balanced fertilizer is enough. Too much nitrogen promotes soft growth and weakens the plant.
Diseases and pests
Beware especially of root or collar rot caused by excess moisture. Mealybugs can occasionally infest it. Improve air circulation and check drainage regularly to prevent problems.
Did you know?
Alpine Houseleeks are extremely ancient plants venerated since Antiquity: the Romans planted them on the roofs of homes, believing they would protect them from lightning and disease. Their Latin name Sempervivum means 'always living,' as these succulents can survive in the most extreme conditions and regenerate even when they seem completely desiccated.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring, once all risk of frost has gone. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from April to June.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Tree roofleek, Tree aeoniumAeonium arboreum
- Autumn stonecropHylotelephium spectabile
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.