Sempervivum 'Pacific Red Rose'

Sempervivum 'Pacific Red Rose' is a spectacular hardy succulent prized for its large, beautifully formed rosettes and exceptionally rich red to burgundy colouring. Introduced by American breeder Gary Gossett in 1988, this distinctive cultivar belongs to his well-known Pacific series and has an interesting breeding history extending through several generations from an original cross involving Sempervivum marmoreum 'Rubicundum' and a red form of Sempervivum tectorum.

Deep Red & Burgundy Colour

'Pacific Red Rose' is particularly impressive when its colour intensifies, developing shades ranging from raspberry-red and wine-red through to deep burgundy. The broad, pointed leaves form a strong architectural rosette, with the darker inner growth creating considerable depth and contrast. Under favourable conditions, mature rosettes can reach approximately 12 cm across.

As with many Sempervivums, the exact colouring is highly responsive to growing conditions and changes throughout the year. Strong light, temperature, moisture and the stage of active growth can all influence the intensity of the red pigmentation. At its best, 'Pacific Red Rose' can become remarkably dark and richly coloured, while at other times greener tones may become more apparent. This natural seasonal variation is part of the appeal of growing Sempervivums.

Growth & Offsets

Sempervivum 'Pacific Red Rose' readily produces offsets around the parent rosette, gradually developing into an attractive colony of different-sized rosettes. These offsets can be left attached to create a spreading cluster or separated once established to produce additional plants.

Its combination of strong colour, substantial rosette size and naturally clumping growth makes it particularly effective in decorative pots, rockeries, gravel gardens, crevices and mixed Sempervivum plantings.

Flowers & the Sempervivum Life Cycle

Mature rosettes may eventually send up an upright leafy flower stem bearing clusters of star-shaped flowers. These flowers are attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.

Like other Sempervivums, each individual rosette is monocarpic, meaning it flowers once and then gradually dies. By this stage the plant will usually have produced offsets around it, which continue growing and maintain the colony. Once flowering has finished, the spent flower stalk and declining rosette can simply be removed.

Growing Sempervivum 'Pacific Red Rose'

'Pacific Red Rose' performs best outdoors with plenty of light and excellent drainage. A sunny position encourages compact rosettes and helps develop the intense red and burgundy colouring for which this cultivar is grown. In particularly hot Australian locations, some protection from extreme afternoon summer sun can be beneficial, especially for plants growing in small pots.

Plant in a gritty, free-draining succulent mix and water thoroughly when required, allowing the growing medium to dry between waterings. Avoid keeping the roots continually wet, particularly during cool weather. Sempervivums are naturally very cold tolerant and handle frost exceptionally well when grown in suitable free-draining conditions.

A Classic Gary Gossett Cultivar

Introduced in 1988, 'Pacific Red Rose' is one of numerous Sempervivum cultivars carrying Gary Gossett's distinctive Pacific prefix. More than three decades later, its combination of large rosettes, prolific offsets and dramatic raspberry, wine-red and burgundy colouring continues to make it an outstanding cultivar for collectors and gardeners alike.

Sempervivum 'Pacific Red Rose' plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images 2 onward. First image for display only. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.