Sempervivum ‘Bernstein’ is a striking cultivar of the hardy houseleek family, treasured for its warm, amber-toned foliage that shifts beautifully with the seasons. The name “Bernstein,” meaning amber in German, reflects the plant’s golden-brown to copper colouring, which is often flushed with green at the centre and deep red tones along the leaf tips. As the seasons change, the rosettes transform, displaying glowing bronze shades in summer and richer, darker hues in cooler months.
This cultivar forms medium-sized rosettes, usually around 8–12 cm across, arranged in tight, symmetrical clusters. As the plant produces offsets freely, it gradually forms attractive mats that bring colour and texture to rockeries, troughs, and succulent bowls. The warm tones of ‘Bernstein’ make it an excellent complement to silver-leaved or green succulents, creating pleasing contrast in mixed plantings.
Caring for Sempervivum ‘Bernstein’ is straightforward, making it a dependable choice for gardeners of all experience levels. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, with sunlight encouraging its richest colours and most compact rosettes. A gritty, well-draining soil is essential, as waterlogged conditions can cause root problems. Once established, this cultivar is very drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering during extended dry periods. Like other sempervivums, it is also frost-hardy, tolerating cold winters in Australian gardens without issue.
In summer, mature rosettes may produce clusters of star-shaped pink flowers on slender stems, after which the flowering rosette dies back. However, the plant offsets generously, ensuring the colony remains full and continues to spread. With its warm amber tones, hardy nature, and architectural growth, Sempervivum ‘Bernstein’ is a versatile and ornamental succulent that provides year-round interest in both containers and outdoor plantings.
Sempervivum 'Bernstein' plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants to those shown in images. Colours will vary depending on season and growing conditions.
First time customers... Please read our Shipping Guide, in top or bottom menu, before placing your order.
Please Note:
- All plants are sent bare rooted with no pots and soil, or minimum soil only.
- Due to the drying process necessary for sending plants through the mail, plants may look slightly different than images shown on our website
- Some plants, may look wrinkled when they arrive, may be somewhat limp, or soft to the touch. This is normal as they have been dried out for for a number of days before shipping to avoid rotting in the mail.
- Succulents are very hardy plants and they will recover quickly, providing you unpack them as soon as you receive them follow some simple care instructions you will find with your order.
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