The houseleek (Sempervivum) is an almost indestructible thick-leafed plant that can grow and thrive in the seemingly most extreme locations - provided it is sunny and dry there. The shallow-rooted, very species- and variety-rich plant requires little soil and care and greens rock gardens, walls, roofs and other unusual locations.

Houseleek can be planted both in the garden and in containers

Which location do houseleeks prefer?

Basically, the houseleek feels at home wherever it is light, warm and dry - the undemanding plant prefers a sunny location.

What soil should be used for houseleeks?

Most houseleeks simply don't care whether the substrate is basic or calcareous. The main thing is that the soil is nice and lean and permeable, then the mountain plant feels good all around.

Where can houseleeks be planted? What original planting ideas are there?

Houseleeks cut a very good figure in the rock garden, but they also green walls or roofs. In addition, the small succulents can be planted wonderfully in the most unusual planters, as long as they have good drainage. Use groups of stones, old roof tiles, old crockery or similar and create an interesting eye-catcher by combining different houseleeks.

Can houseleeks also be cultivated in the room?

Sempervivum needs light, air and above all the winter cold. For this reason, the outdoor succulents are not suitable as indoor plants, but can instead be grown very well in small planters on the windowsill or balcony.

When is the best time to plant houseleeks?

In principle, container plants can be planted during the entire vegetation period, but the best time to plant is in spring.

At what distance should houseleeks be planted?

Since most houseleeks stay small, they can be planted quite close together. However, when purchasing, ask how large the desired species or variety can grow and what the ideal spacing for that variety is.

Can houseleeks also be sown?

Houseleeks can be easily propagated from seeds, provided you have enough patience and tact. The very fine seeds are best sown in small plant pots and placed outdoors over the winter. Houseleeks belong to the cold germs.

How can houseleeks be propagated?

In principle, however, propagation via daughter rosettes is much easier than by sowing. These secondary rosettes are offshoots that can be easily separated from the mother plant and replanted.

When do houseleeks bloom?

Most houseleek species develop white, pink, or yellow flowers between June and August. However, this is only the case for the first time in specimens that are at least two to three years old. Flowered rosettes can be cut away as they will die afterwards. Houseleeks flower only once, with daughter rosettes continuing to grow.

Good and bad neighbors

Houseleek can be socialized very well with other flat-growing rock garden plants, for example with low sedum plants, saxifrage, thyme, pasqueflower, checkered flower or five cinquefoil.

tips

When planting, mix a little horn shavings (32.93€) or mature compost under the plant substrate, as this will intensify the color of the rosettes - but really only a little!

Category:

Vegetable garden