Sempervivum 'Rotkopf'
houseleek 'Rotkopf'
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
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical 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)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.