Sempervivum 'Pacific Purple Shadows'
Sempervivum 'Pacific Purple Shadows' is a striking hardy succulent cultivar prized for its broad, tightly arranged rosettes and richly changing purple, burgundy and green foliage. Introduced by American Sempervivum breeder Gary Gossett in 1992, it belongs to his well-known “Pacific” series of cultivars. Its precise parentage does not appear to have been reliably documented, so it is best regarded as a cultivated Sempervivum hybrid rather than attributed to particular parent species.
The fleshy, pointed leaves form symmetrical rosettes, with fine cilia — tiny hair-like structures — along their margins. Colour varies considerably with season, temperature and light intensity. Rosettes can combine green with maroon, bronze and deep burgundy-purple, developing particularly intense darker colouring during cooler conditions. In brighter growing periods the foliage may display stronger green tones while retaining its distinctive purple shading. Mature plants remain low, generally around 5–10 cm tall, gradually spreading to approximately 20–45 cm as offsets develop.
Like other “hens and chicks”, 'Pacific Purple Shadows' readily produces daughter rosettes, or chicks, on short stolons around the parent plant, eventually forming an attractive colony. Mature rosettes may send up flower stems carrying clusters of star-shaped pink flowers during the warmer months. Each flowering rosette is monocarpic, meaning it dies naturally after flowering, while its surrounding offsets continue growing and quickly fill the space.
Exceptionally cold-hardy and drought tolerant once established, this Sempervivum is well suited to Australian rockeries, outdoor pots, troughs and other exposed garden positions. Full sun encourages compact growth and the strongest colour, although some protection from extreme afternoon heat can be beneficial in Australia's hottest climates. Plant in gritty, sharply draining soil and allow it to dry between waterings. Excellent drainage, particularly during prolonged cool or wet weather, is far more important than protection from frost.
Sempervivum 'Pacific Purple Shadows' plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants to 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.