Description

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

Sempervivum ‘Royal Ruby’ 

Pot size #1

This selection produces medium-sized rosettes where the leaves are long, slender, pointy, and are ruby red to smoky greyish-red. The Royal Ruby is a large size and will get to be a diameter of 7″-8″. This variety is a prolific variety and will produce lots of new chicks every spring.

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 Royal Ruby has a moderate growth rate. Gets to heights under 3″ and a spread of 6-8 inches. Surprisingly cold hardy, Sempervivums need little maintenance once established, and will survive near total neglect.