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They are grown for their succulent rosette leaves which are green or light red.
Flowers are star shaped and grow in clusters on top of thick leafy stems.
These are exceptional plants for growing shallow patio pots and tubs.
These are one of the easiest gardening plants to propagate.
Essential info
Genus: Sempervivum
Family: Crassulaceae
Species: S. arachnoideum
Common Names: Cobweb houseleek, spiderweb houseleek, houseleek, hen and chicks.
Classification: Perennial.
Height: 10cm (4inches).
Flowering: Throughout summer.
Where to plant info
Most gardeners will have sempervivum growing in pots somewhere in their garden. They rank amongst one of gardeners most favorite gardening plants.
Where: Ideal for growing in rock gardens and in the cracks of stone walls.
They are well suited for growing in shallow pots of very well drained compost. Mulch the top with grit or very fine shingle.
Site: Grow them in full sun, they thrive in it!
Soil: Rich and extremely free draining soil.
Propagation info
By seed in spring.
By offsets in spring and summer which are easily potted up into 7.5cm (3inch) or 10cm (4inch) pots.
Simply remove the plant from its pot and carefully break off the offsets, which are clearly shown in the picture opposite, with as much root as possible attached.
Plant them individually into a plastic pot filled with compost, (2 parts potting compost to 1 part Vermiculite, for added drainage).
Simply make a hole in the compost with a pencil, or something similar, the same depth as the stem of the offset to planted.
Carefully push the offset into the hole and gently firm the compost around the offset. Don't compress the compost around the stem, just gently firm it.
Cover the compost with fine grit and then leave them in a cold frame.
Just watch them grow away and produce their own offsets.
Start over again with the new offsets, and watch them produce their own offsets. And so it goes on......
With very little effort you will soon have more sempervivum than you can shake a stick at. More plants for free.
Propagating these garden plants by offsets has got to be one of the easiest propagation methods there is.
This is a good way to start your propagating activities, so give it a go.
You are sure to suceed!
If you want any further information on this plant or how to propagate and grow any of your favourite perennial gardening plants please feel free to
contact us
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