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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous PerennialCactus Succulent

Sempervivum ruthenicum

Russian houseleek

A medium-sized mat-forming, evergreen perennial alpine with slightly hairy, pale green fleshy rosettes which are pink-tipped on the outer side. Unusual yellow flowers appear in the summer

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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
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Pink
Summer Yellow Green Pink
Autumn Green Pink
Winter Green Pink
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Correct

Plant range
Romania, Ukraine

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from excessive winter wet. Suitable for rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough or alpine house

Propagation

Propagate by offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to sempervivum leaf miner, slugs, snails, and vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust

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