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Alpine RockeryCactus Succulent

Sempervivum 'Tristesse'

houseleek 'Tristesse'

A mat-forming evergreen succulent, with rosettes of fleshy, pointed, reddish purple leaves. In summer it produces a 15cm tall flowerspike bearing starry pink flowers. The rosettes die after flowering but are replaced by offsets on lateral runners

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Purple
Summer Pink Red Purple
Autumn Red Purple
Winter Red Purple
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Crassulaceae
Native to the UK
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in full sun. In pots use a 50:50 mix of peat-free, loam-based potting compost and grit. Protect from excessive winter wet. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by removal of offsets in spring and early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil larvae

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust diseases

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