Sempervivum arachnoideum

Sempervivum sanguineum

Cobweb Houseleek, Spider Web Hens and Chicks

Crassulaceae

Old world native from the Alps, the Appennines and Carpathians

1 gallon

1-3"

1-2" for each rosette which from colonies of up to a foot or more.

-20 to -15°F (-28.8 to -26.1°C)

High heat tolerance

Bright indoor light to full sun in cloudier climates. Give some shade in hot inland climates for plant to look its best.

Drought tolerant but prefers regular irrigation during the growing season. Needs no water in wet winters.

Remove dead flower stems and rosettes as desired. Replant offsets to increase plantings.

This is an excellent plant for rock and scree gardens. It can also work well grown between stepping stones. Does well in containers too and can be kept as a houseplant in a sunny location. Cobweb Houseleeks can take very cold temperatures in winter if kept on the dry side in well-draining soils.

Easily propagated from transplanting offsets. It can also be sown from seed.

Needs well-drained soils to avoid root rot in cool wet weather. Gophers will eat plants.

This is a small succulent that forms rosettes of green leaves covered in white hairs that resemble cobwebs. A high altitude, alpine plant, the “cobwebs” actually protect the tender interior of the plant from snow. When drought and cold stressed the leaves turn red and the rosette curls up into balls. In late spring to summer the plant has many large (for its size) star-shaped pink flowers with dark red stamens. This plant is monocarpic; after blooming, the individual rosette dies and pups fill in the space left behind. The leaves of Sempervivum arachnoideum have been used for millennia as emollients, to help stop bleeding, and as a sedative. The crushed plant, or its juice, is applied externally to boils, wounds etc. and is also used to stop nose bleeds. It was also planted on rooftops as it was believed to protect the inhabitants below from witchcraft and lightening.