Cobwebs Sempervivum is a frost-hardy alpine succulent that earns its name from the fine, cobweb-like silvery threads that drape across its tight rosette of fleshy leaves. Native to high mountain regions and cherished as an heirloom variety, this tiny powerhouse grows just 3 to 4 inches tall but spreads 6 to 8 inches wide, creating mesmerizing geometric patterns in rock gardens, containers, and alpine troughs. Hardy from zones 5 through 5, it thrives on neglect, asking only for full sun and extremely dry conditions to display its star-shaped pink or red flowers that bloom continuously from spring through fall.
6
Full Sun
Low
5-5
4in H x 8in W
—
Moderate
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The silvery webbing that blankets each rosette is genuinely stunning, especially when backlit by morning sun. This heirloom succulent requires almost no water once established, handling drought with the stoicism of a high-altitude native plant. Its extended blooming window from March through November means you'll have flowers far longer than most alpine plants, and its compact size makes it treasured by collectors who grow it on shelves, in troughs, or tucked between rocks.
Cobwebs Sempervivum is grown primarily as an ornamental accent in alpine gardens, rock gardens, and specialized succulent collections. Its diminutive size and striking appearance make it ideal for container gardening, trough displays, and shelved plant collections where gardeners can admire the fine webbing detail up close. The persistent bloom season across nine months gives it value beyond foliage interest, providing color when many other alpines have faded.
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Start seeds indoors in winter on the soil surface without covering. Maintain temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect germination in 14 to 28 days. If no sprouts appear within 30 days, chill seeds in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 weeks, then return them to warmth to break dormancy.
Transplant seedlings outdoors once they are large enough to handle and after the last frost date for your region. Harden off gradually by exposing plants to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting in their final location.
Direct sowing outdoors is not recommended for this variety.
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