Sempervivum arachnoideum, commonly known as Cobweb Houseleek, is a low-growing, evergreen succulent prized for its distinctive appearance and remarkable resilience. Native to the mountainous regions of southern and central Europe, including the Alps, Apennines, and Pyrenees, this alpine perennial naturally thrives in rocky crevices and gravelly slopes, where water drains quickly and conditions can be harsh.
Its compact rosettes typically reach 2 to 5 cm across and are formed by pointed, fleshy green leaves. What sets Sempervivum arachnoideum apart is the intricate network of fine white hairs that cover the leaf tips, forming a cobweb-like pattern that gives the plant its common name. This unique feature is thought to offer some protection from strong sunlight and moisture loss, making it especially well-adapted to dry, sunny environments.
As a mat-forming species, it spreads laterally by producing numerous offsets on short stolons. These “chicks” cluster around the mother rosette (“hen”), eventually rooting and forming dense colonies. In summer, mature rosettes send up a short flowering stalk adorned with star-shaped pink to rose-pink blooms. As with all Sempervivums, the flowering rosette will die after blooming, but the colony lives on through its offsets.
Ideal for rockeries, troughs, containers, and green roofs, Sempervivum arachnoideum tolerates frost and drought with ease. In Australian gardens, it performs best in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil, making it a reliable and visually intriguing choice for low-maintenance planting schemes.
Sempervivum arachnoideum 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. Most recent plants shown first.
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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