Height at maturity
6 to 10 cm
Wingspan at maturity
20 to 30 cm
Sempervivum 'Dark Beauty' – Deep Purple Houseleek
Origins and characteristics
Sempervivum 'Dark Beauty' is a hardy succulent perennial from the Crassulaceae family, native to mountainous areas of Europe. This variety is prized for its dark foliage and its ability to form dense groundcover mats. Perfect for rock gardens, green roofs and containers.
Description and highlights
This houseleek forms compact rosettes of fleshy leaves ranging from deep purple to near black, with green bases in spring. In summer, star-shaped pink flowers rise on upright stems, adding a striking contrast.
- Mature height: 6 to 10 cm
- Width: 20 to 30 cm
- Flower colour: Pink
- Foliage: Evergreen, deep purple to blackish violet
- Habit: Rosette-forming, ground-covering
- Fragrance: Unscented
Plant features
- Type: Hardy succulent perennial
- Hardiness: Very good, down to -30 °C
- Lifespan: Long-lived; each rosette lives 3 to 5 years, but the plant renews itself with offsets
Flowering
- Blooming: Summer, June to August, typically after 2–3 years of growth
- Highlights: The flowers attract pollinators like bees. The flowering rosette dies afterward, but is replaced by new offsets.
Light and soil
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, poor, sandy or rocky soil. Tolerates dry and calcareous conditions.
Planting
- Period: Spring or autumn
- Spacing: 15 to 20 cm between plants
- Tip: Avoid excess moisture, especially in winter. Use a draining substrate to prevent root rot.
Watering
- Needs: Low; moderate in summer, almost none in winter
- Tip: Let soil dry completely between waterings
Pruning
- Maintenance: Remove faded rosettes after flowering and dead leaves to keep a tidy appearance
Propagation
- Methods: Divide offsets in spring or summer
- Tip: Carefully separate and replant in suitable soil
Garden uses
Ideal for:
- Rock gardens
- Green roofs
- Stone walls
- Containers and pots
- Sunny borders
- Dry or Mediterranean gardens
Disease and pest resistance
- Resistance: Excellent resistance to pests and diseases
- Caution: Avoid excess humidity to prevent rot. Watch for slugs and snails on young shoots.
Tips for thriving growth
- Low maintenance: Very easy-care plant
- Combinations: Looks great with other succulents or small grasses for contrasting textures and colours
- Tip: Full sun enhances foliage colour
Features
-
Common name :
Deep Purple Houseleek
-
Family :
Crassulaceae
-
Category :
Succulent perennial plant
-
Spread :
20 to 30 cm
-
Foliage :
evergreen
-
Color of flowers :
pink
-
Use :
rockeries, green roofs, low walls, pots, sunny borders, dry gardens
-
Soil :
poor, sandy or rocky, dry
-
Enemies :
slugs
-
Possible diseases :
resistant to diseases
As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
Each order is processed individually.
Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
Packages are ready to be shipped.
