Scientific Name
Sempervivum arachnoideum subsp. tomentosum (C.B.Lehm. & Schnittsp.) Schinz & Thell.
Common Name(s)
Woolly Cobweb Houseleek, Cobweb Hen and Chicks
Synonym(s)
Sempervivum tomentosum, Sempervivum laggeri, Sempervivum arachnoideum var. laggeri, Sempervivum webbianum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sempervivum
Description
Sempervivum arachnoideum subsp. tomentosum is a mat-forming succulent with rosettes of thick, fleshy, obovate, mid-green to red leaves densely covered in white cobweb-like hairs. The rosettes grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Flowers are pink, star-shaped, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter, and borne in flat cymes on up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall stems in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 4a to 10b: from −30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Because of the variability of Cobweb Houseleek, they easily adapt to the local conditions, and due to the small gene pool, they become a form or variety quite quickly, perfectly adapted to the local conditions of heat and cold as well as the amount of snow or rain and at which times of the year.
It is relatively easy to grow in a container, rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough, or alpine house. They are ideal in so many ways. They quickly start forming very tight clusters of rosettes, filling in Sempervivum walls, mosaics, and topiary. Their 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.
Origin
This subspecies is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe.
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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