Description

Full sun, deer, rabbit, and drought resistant, zone 5

Sempervivum ‘Pacific Devil’s Food’ 

Pot size #1

One of the best cultivars for that standout red/burgundy tone that will last all year long. The Pacific Devil’s Food Hens and Chicks variety is a beautiful reddish-purple succulent that becomes an even more vibrant purple when it is put under stressful conditions, like being in cold weather or when it is in lots of sun. It is winter hardy, but is winter dormant. The range of reds can go from a golden tone in the Summer to a chocolatey-purple in the Winter. Each rosette can grow quite large. Incredibly frost hardy, but protect from heavy rains and standing water.

This variety is known particularly for having lots of offsets, easy to propagate, and pet safe.

Sempervivums are comprised of one large rosette called the “hen” which will then sprout many smaller rosettes around it called the “chicks”. As the plants age, the hen may die out and be replaced by the chicks. Plants can be easily divided and replanted. Particularly used for borders, containers, rock gardens, or as ground-covering. Sempervivums are monocarpic. Sempervivums do most of their growing in the Spring and Summer, and will thrive with weekly watering and afternoon shade.

Prefers soil that is dry and well-drained. Will be drought tolerant once established. Heat tolerant and actually prefers poor soil (neutral or alkaline soil), over soil that is too rich or heavy clay. The Pacific Devil’s Food has a fast growth rate. Gets to heights of 3-4 inches and a spread of 6-8 inches. Surprisingly cold hardy, Sempervivums need little maintenance once established, and will survive near total neglect.