Sempervivum ‘Gay Jester’ is a charming and resilient houseleek cultivar prized for its vibrant foliage and classic alpine character. This hardy perennial succulent forms tight, medium-sized rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves, emerging in rich red tones that gradually transition to soft, bronzy green with lighter tips as the seasons change. The rosettes typically reach around 10 cm in diameter and are produced on short, red stolons, creating dense clusters that spread slowly and attractively over time.
Originating from mountainous regions of Europe, where Sempervivum species naturally grow in rocky outcrops and well-drained alpine slopes, ‘Gay Jester’ retains all the toughness of its wild ancestors. Its name reflects its cheerful, ever-changing leaf colour, which intensifies under strong sunlight and cool weather. During summer, mature rosettes send up short, upright stems topped with clusters of pink, star-shaped flowers — a striking contrast to the foliage and a magnet for pollinators. After flowering, individual rosettes naturally die back, but numerous offsets ensure the colony continues to thrive year after year.
Ideal for rock gardens, green roofs, pots, or crevice plantings, Sempervivum ‘Gay Jester’ prefers full sun and free-draining, gritty soil. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for low-water gardens or busy plant lovers. Its compact growth habit and colourful seasonal variation add year-round interest to containers and garden displays. Whether used as a groundcover, edging plant, or sculptural accent, this dependable succulent brings alpine charm and resilient beauty to any sunny outdoor space.
Sempervivum 'Gay Jester' 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.
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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