Sempervivum Oddity
Sempervivum 'Oddity' is one of the most distinctive Sempervivum cultivars, immediately recognisable by its unusual tubular foliage. Instead of developing the conventional open, pointed leaves seen in most Sempervivum, the leaves fold and curl lengthwise to form narrow tubes, creating compact rosettes with a remarkable quill-like appearance.
Distinctive tubular foliage
The foliage is typically fresh green to lime green, with the open tips often developing contrasting red, burgundy or purplish colouring. These colours vary naturally with season and growing conditions, with stronger red and purple tones often developing during cooler weather and under brighter light.
Individual rosettes commonly reach around 7–10 cm across under suitable conditions. Plants produce offsets around the parent rosette and gradually develop into attractive colonies, with the unusual tubular foliage giving established clumps a very different texture from conventional Sempervivum.
A distinctive cultivar with a long history
'Oddity' was introduced by American Sempervivum enthusiast Sandy McPherson in 1977 and subsequently received a Bronze Rosette award. It has remained in cultivation for decades and is still immediately recognisable for its unusual rolled foliage.
The precise botanical origin of 'Oddity' is not completely settled. It has historically been associated with Sempervivum tectorum, while other horticultural references describe it as a possible mutation associated with Sempervivum × comollii. For this reason, we prefer to list it simply under its well-established cultivar name, Sempervivum 'Oddity'.
Offsets, flowers and the Sempervivum life cycle
Healthy plants generally produce offsets freely, gradually increasing the size of the colony. Individual mature rosettes may eventually send up a flower stem carrying clusters of pink to mauve, star-shaped flowers.
As with other Sempervivum, only a rosette that flowers is monocarpic and will naturally die after flowering. Flowering is sporadic and unpredictable, and many rosettes can remain vegetative for years. The surrounding younger offsets continue growing, allowing an established colony to persist and expand.
Growing Sempervivum 'Oddity'
Grow in a free-draining succulent mix with plenty of light and good airflow. Sempervivum are particularly well suited to outdoor cultivation and can be grown in pots, rockeries, gravel gardens and other well-drained positions. Good light encourages compact growth and stronger seasonal colour.
Water thoroughly when required and allow excess water to drain freely. Avoid keeping the roots continuously wet, particularly during prolonged cool or damp conditions. Established plants are drought tolerant and cold hardy, making 'Oddity' particularly well suited to temperate Australian conditions.
Sempervivum 'Oddity' plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.
All plants are shipped bare rooted unless otherwise stated. Orders are carefully packed and shipped via Express Post to NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and ACT. Orders are dispatched according to our weekly shipping schedule, available on our Shipping page, with tracking provided once your order has been lodged with Australia Post.
Succulents naturally change in colour, size and form throughout the year. Many develop richer colours and more compact growth during periods of seasonal stress, particularly through cooler months and brighter conditions, while warmer or lower-light conditions may produce greener, softer growth.
The plant you receive may therefore vary from the product images depending on the season, its stage of growth and current growing conditions. These natural variations are part of the character of living plants and do not affect their quality or health.
Pickup is available in Seville, Yarra Valley VIC by appointment. Order online as normal and any shipping charge will be automatically refunded after collection, unless you would prefer to receive an additional plant of similar value instead.
Important Plant Information
All plants are shipped bare rooted unless otherwise stated. This helps reduce shipping costs, improves plant safety during transit and allows plants to travel more reliably.
Plants are carefully packed for Express Post and may vary naturally in colour, size and form according to season, growth stage and growing conditions.
Please check the product description and images for information specific to the plant you are purchasing.
If you have any questions about your plant or order, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.