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.
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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