Sempervivum montanum

Sempervivum montanum, commonly known as Dwarf House Leek, is a compact, cold-hardy succulent that forms dense clusters of small pointed rosettes. The foliage changes from green to deep red and burgundy depending on light levels, temperature and season.

This is primarily an outdoor plant and is well suited to pots, rock gardens, troughs and other exposed positions with excellent drainage.

Care

• Light: Grow in full sun to light afternoon shade. Strong light produces the most compact growth and deepest colour.
• Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the potting mix to dry before watering again. Avoid keeping the rosettes continually wet, particularly during cool weather.
• Temperature: Very cold tolerant and able to withstand frost once established. Protect from prolonged wet conditions rather than ordinary winter cold.
• Media: Use a coarse, sharply draining succulent mix. Avoid heavy or water-retentive soils.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth. Excess fertiliser can produce soft, open growth.

Key Characteristics

• Compact rosettes with pointed, finely hairy leaves
• Green growth develops red to burgundy colouring under suitable conditions
• Produces offsets that gradually form a dense mat
• Suitable for outdoor pots, rockeries, walls and alpine-style gardens
• Excellent tolerance of frost and cold conditions
• Individual mature rosettes may flower and then die, while surrounding offsets continue growing
• Flower colour is normally pink to reddish-purple

Please note: Colour and rosette shape will vary with the season and growing conditions. Plants may be greener during active growth or when grown under lower light.