Sempervivum 'Black'

Sempervivum 'Black': Sculptural Drama with Deep Contrast

Striking and sculptural, Sempervivum 'Black' forms tight rosettes of deep burgundy to near-black foliage, offering bold contrast and textural interest year-round. Its fleshy, symmetrical leaves darken in cool temperatures, creating a moody, elegant focal point in sunny, dry spaces. Offsets spread outward to form a slowly expanding colony, while mature rosettes may send up tall, starry pink bloom stalks in summer before completing their life cycle. Hardy and undemanding, this variety is as practical as it is dramatic.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 5–10 cm (rosettes), up to 20 cm in bloom
• Spread: 15–30 cm, offsetting over time
• Flower Colour: Soft pink (on mature rosettes)
• Flowering Period: Midsummer (sporadic)
• Foliage: Deep burgundy to black, symmetrical rosettes
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Very well-drained, sandy or rocky soil; thrives in poor soils

Uses and Benefits: Sempervivum 'Black' is ideal for troughs, rock gardens, green roofs, and alpine beds where bold texture and low maintenance are key. It thrives in heat and drought, requiring little more than sun and sharp drainage to look its best. Use it to create contrast against silver or green-foliaged companions, or tuck it between stones and pavers for a living mosaic effect.

Companion Plants: Contrast the dark rosettes of 'Black' with the soft, silvery mounds of Artemisia 'Silver Mound' for a serene, sculptural pairing. Add Dianthus 'Arctic Fire' for delicate, white-petaled flowers with crimson centres that echo the sempervivum’s tones. Finish with Festuca 'Cool As Ice', whose blue-tinged blades offer fine texture and cooling colour balance.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with sharp drainage—containers, gravel beds, and crevices are ideal. Water sparingly, especially in humid or wet climates. Remove flower stalks after blooming and trim old or dried leaves for tidiness. Offsets can be gently pulled and replanted to expand your display.

History: Sempervivum species, often known as hens-and-chicks, originate from mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. 'Black' is a selected cultivar bred for its intensely dark colour and compact form, offering a modern twist on a time-tested alpine favourite.

Final Thoughts: With its moody tones and tidy form, Sempervivum 'Black' brings depth and contrast to the driest corners of the garden—an architectural gem that thrives on simplicity.