Scientific Name
Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Robin'
Common Name(s)
Cobweb Houseleek, Spider Web Hens and Chicks
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sempervivum
Etymology
The generic name "Sempervivum" (pronounced "sem-per-VEE-vum") means "always alive" or "ever-living". It refers to the evergreen, resilient nature of plants in the genus Sempervivum.
The specific epithet "arachnoideum" (pronounced "a-rak-NOY-dee-um") means "spider-like" or "cobweb-like and refers to the cobwebby white hairs at the tips of the leaves of this species.
Origin of Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Robin'
Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Robin' is a cultivar of Sempervivum arachnoideum selected by David Ford in 1970 in the United Kingdom.
Description of Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Robin'
Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Robin' is a beautiful succulent that forms small, webbed rosettes of pointed leaves that change color depending on the season and growing conditions. The rosettes produce many offsets on long stolons, forming a clump that can reach a diameter of 12 inches (30 cm). The gray-green leaves flush pink or red during the growing season.
The star-shaped flowers are pink with dark red bracts and appear in clusters above the foliage in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Robin'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 4a to 10b: from -30°F (-34.4°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
Because of their variability, Cobweb Houseleek easily adapts to local conditions. Due to the small gene pool, they become a form or variety quite quickly, perfectly adapted to local conditions of heat and cold, the amount of snow or rain, and the times of year.
It is relatively easy to grow in a container or rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough, or alpine house. It is ideal in many ways, as it quickly forms very tight clusters of rosettes, filling in Sempervivum walls, mosaics, and topiary. Its shallow yet fibrous root systems hold soil in place even in vertical plantings. After the plant blooms and sets seed, it will die, but many offsets will take its place.
Plant in well-drained succulent soil mix in full sun to light shade. Water regularly during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Water very little during the winter months.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum.
Links
- Back to genus Sempervivum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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