Sempervivum arachnoideum

Sizes available: 1 quart

Basics: zone 3-7, 2-8" x 12", full sun, unique silver threads reminiscent of a spider's web form over the fleshy rosettes, the flower is a rosy red held on a sturdy stalk about the leaves in mid summer, needs impeccable drainage and no winter wet

Common names: Cobwebbed Houseleek

Family: Crassulaceae

Origin/Distribution: mountainous and alpine regions of Europe and Turkey

Habitat: very well drained spots amongst rocks and on scree slopes

More: Good bet for a container, well-drained sunny rock garden or the edge of hardscaping such as a set of steps in the sunshine.

Hardy succulents can withstand temperatures to -20. They are happy dormant and covered with snow. However, in winters with fluctuating temperatures and lots of winter wet, they have trouble coping. Drainage, and being allowed to dry out before getting wet again, are keys to happiness. Sempervivums are monocarpic. This means that after they make their unusual and quite beautiful flower stalks, the mother plant will die. However, the small offsets surrounding the larger, central rosettes, the "chicks" of the common name, Hens and Chicks, will grow on.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons