Sempervivum calcareum
Also known as: Calcareous houseleek
Grey-blue geometric rosettes with blood-red tips — one of the most perfectly coloured sempervivums. It comes from France (Causses), stays around Rosettes 6–12 cm, and tolerates USDA 4–8. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Sempervivum
- Origin: France (Causses)
- Mature size: Rosettes 6–12 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 4–8
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Sempervivum
- Origin
- France (Causses)
- Mature size
- Rosettes 6–12 cm
- Growth habit
- Geometric grey-blue rosettes with red tips
- Leaf colour
- Grey-blue leaves with sharp red tips
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Hardiness
- USDA 4–8
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Calcareous houseleek
About the Sempervivum calcareum
Grey-blue geometric rosettes with blood-red tips — one of the most perfectly coloured sempervivums. Very tolerant of poor limestone soils (hence calcareum).
Care and cultivation
The hardiest succulents — outdoor year-round even in snow. Full sun, gritty soil, and let them dry between waterings. Each rosette flowers once then dies; the 'chicks' around it carry on. Light: Full sun. Water: Every 1–2 weeks in summer growth; dry in winter. Soil: Gritty mix; excellent in rock gardens.
Description
Sempervivum calcareum is a Sempervivum succulent from France (Causses). Grey-blue geometric rosettes with blood-red tips — one of the most perfectly coloured sempervivums. Very tolerant of poor limestone soils (hence calcareum).
Identification
Key identification features: Grey-blue leaves with sharp red tips leaves in a Geometric grey-blue rosettes with red tips form, reaching Rosettes 6–12 cm. Also known as Calcareous houseleek.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Sempervivum calcareum?
Every 1–2 weeks in summer growth; dry in winter. Let the soil dry completely between waterings and reduce water in winter.
Is Sempervivum calcareum toxic to pets?
Non-toxic. Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Sempervivum calcareum, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.