Sempervivum arachnoideum subsp. tomentosum (C.B. Lehm. & Schnittsp.) Schinz & Thell.

RHS Plant Profile
woolly cobweb houseleek
woolly cobweb houseleek RHS 2003

Synonyms

Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Laggeri'
Sempervivum webbianum

Award of Garden Merit
Alpine Rockery Cactus Succulent

A mat-forming evergreen perennial with fleshy rosettes to 4cm in width, densely covered with cobwebby white hairs. Starry pink flowers 1.5cm in width are borne in flat cymes on stems to 15cm

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Sempervivum are evergreen perennials forming mats of fleshy-leaved rosettes, often attractively coloured, with star-shaped pink or pale yellow flowers in summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Alps, Pyrenees

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free