The first sempervivum with golden foliage gives four seasons of bright, drought tolerant rosettes
As gardeners have become more aware of the need for drought tolerant plants, sempervivums have increasingly crept into our consciousness. The
RHS Plant Trial at Wisley that finished just over a decade ago (see the
trial report) gave the whole idea of sempervivums a big kick-start: the vast variety of different colours and forms really made an impression.
Now we have the first variety with golden leaves. And not only that, but the colouring moves through four different phases as the seasons pass.
In spring, the individual leaves of each rosette are golden green with dark red edges. Then in summer, the colouring becomes a uniform lime green with no red margins.
Autumn sees the rosettes become bright golden yellow with dark red edges and in winter the rosettes become a more or less uniform dark red. Impressive, yes?!
Grow it in just the same way as other sempervivums: in full sun, in very well-drained soil and, if necessary, with added grit.
‘Gold Nugget’ was discovered by American plant breeder Chris Hansen who, up till now, has specialised in developing new sedums and hellebores. He found it in January 2014 as a sport on a plant of
Sempervivum ‘Ruby Heart’ growing in a pot at his nursery in Hudsonville, Michigan.
You can order
Sempervivum 'Gold Nugget' from
RHS Plants and as part of the Chick Charms sempervivum collection from
YouGarden and
Thompson & Morgan.
*Please note, the contents of this blog reflect the views of its author which are not necessarily those of the RHS
