Sempervivum 'Rotkopf'

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houseleek 'Rotkopf'

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houseleek 'Rotkopf' RHS / Joanna Kossak
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Cactus Succulent
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A vigorous evergreen perennial succulent, forming clusters of fleshy rosettes with velvety, ovate, pointed leaves that are deep red when grown in bright light. Starry pink flowers are produced on upright stems to 20cm high in summer

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
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in sharply-drained soil with added grit, protect from excess winter wet. Colours are strongest when grown in full sun. Suitable for rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough or alpine house. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division, rooting offsets in spring and summer.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust disease (Endophyllum sempervivi)