Sempervivum 'Bronco'

Sempervivum 'Bronco' is a cultivated member of what is commonly known as houseleeks, in the Crassulaceae family. It originates from breeding work involving species native to the mountainous regions of southern Europe, where they grow in rocky outcrops and shallow, free-draining soils under full sun. This natural background equips the plant with strong resilience to drought, nutrient-poor soils, and sub-zero temperatures.

The rosettes are compact and symmetrical, with fleshy, pointed leaves displaying a blend of green and bronze to reddish-brown tones. Seasonal changes in temperature and light can deepen the darker pigmentation, particularly in cooler weather. Offsets are produced readily, forming spreading mats over time. Like all Sempervivum, each rosette is monocarpic, flowering once before dying, with surrounding offsets continuing the colony’s growth.

Flowering occurs in summer when mature rosettes produce tall stems topped with clusters of star-shaped blooms. These are typically pink to reddish in colour and are attractive to pollinating insects. After flowering and seed formation, the parent rosette dies back, leaving offsets to maintain the spread of the plant.

Care Tips:

• Light: Full sun promotes compact growth and enhances bronze-red colouration.
• Water: Water sparingly, allowing the substrate to dry thoroughly between applications.
• Media: Gritty, free-draining mix suitable for alpine and succulent species.
• Fertiliser: Light feeding with a diluted, low-nitrogen fertiliser during the growing season if required.
• Temperature: Hardy to frost and prolonged freezing when kept dry.
• Repotting: Rarely necessary; divide and replant offsets or refresh substrate when clumps become dense.