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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous PerennialCactus Succulent

Sempervivum tectorum subsp. tectorum 'Triste'

houseleek 'Triste'

A mat-forming, evergreen compact perennial alpine with tightly-packed large green-grey rosettes with pointed, dark red tips. Leaves may vary in intensity of colour in cooler conditions

Synonyms
Sempervivum 'Triste'
Sempervivum triste
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 Grey Silver Red
Summer Green Grey Silver Red
Autumn Green Grey Silver Red
Winter Green Grey Silver Red
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade. Protect from excessive winter wet. Suitable for rock gardens, scree beds, wall crevices, troughs or alpine houses

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

Get involved

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