Serpentine Houseleek (Sempervivum pittonii) - Rarity from the Eastern Alps

A true gem for collectors and succulent fans: Sempervivum pittonii, also known as the Serpentine Houseleek, is an absolute rarity. As a strictly protected local endemic, it originally comes from the Eastern Alps, such as Styria in Austria, where it grows on very special rock soils. With its compact, finely hairy rosettes and striking dark leaf tips, this houseleek is a perfect, easy-care collector's item for your alpinum, rock garden, or sunny troughs on the balcony.

Scope of delivery: Per rosette (approx. 1.5-2.5cm, bare-rooted for self-rooting)

The Serpentine Houseleek is a real highlight for lovers of alpine plants. The small, tightly packed rosettes with their dark red to brown tips not only look fascinating but also form dense, carpet-like cushions over time. In midsummer, flower stalks up to 20 cm high emerge with their star-shaped, light yellow flowers – a great contrast to the foliage and a magnet for beneficial insects.

As is typical for a houseleek, Sempervivum pittonii loves full sun. A sunny spot in the rock garden, in dry stone walls, or in shallow bowls is just right. Since it grows almost exclusively on serpentine rock in nature, it is sensitive to too much lime. Therefore, it is best to use a mineral, slightly acidic to neutral, and extremely well-drained substrate. A mixture with a high proportion of coarse sand, fine pumice, or lava is excellent here so that water can drain immediately after a downpour. Waterlogging is the biggest enemy of this otherwise undemanding plant.

Sempervivum pittonii originates from alpine regions and is therefore naturally absolutely frost-hardy and robust against icy temperatures. You can cultivate it outdoors all year round without hesitation. The only real danger in winter is not the cold, but too much moisture. Persistent rain or melting snow that cannot drain from the substrate quickly leads to rot in the dense rosettes. A slightly rain-sheltered spot or excellent drainage in the pot and bed are therefore essential for this alpine beauty to start healthy and strong again in spring. You practically don't need to fertilize it at all – it's a true survivor on barren soil.