It is not for nothing that the houseleek has the Latin name Sempervivum – “ever-living”. The mountain plant, which is extremely adapted to very dry locations, thrives particularly where other garden plants would never survive. The thick-leaf plant prefers a dry, sunny location if possible.
Where should you plant houseleek?
The ideal location for houseleeks is a dry, full sun place with lean, well-drained soil, such as in rock gardens or stone wall joints. The hardy plant forms more rosettes and blooms better in such locations than in partial or full shade.
Sunny and dry – then the houseleek is doing well
The very robust plant loves a dry location - protected from constant rain - and full sun. Partially shaded or even shady locations, on the other hand, are not very suitable, as the houseleek will only form a few rosettes there and will not bloom. Lean, permeable soil is also ideal - for example a loose cactus substrate (€26.00 on Amazon).
Houseleek is ideal for the rock garden
The houseleek feels most comfortable in dry and sunny rock gardens, but can also be planted very well in the gaps and joints of stone and dry walls, on the tops of walls, roof surfaces or between stones (especially tuff and limestone). Various planters are also suitable, as long as excess water can drain away quickly.
Tip
Although houseleeks love the sun, they can also tolerate deep cold. The thick-leaf plants are extremely hardy.
