Sempervivum Othello

Sempervivum 'Othello' is an ancient variety of houseleek, distinguished by its highly variegated foliage that changes colour over time. Its large evergreen rosettes, shaped like artichokes, are the scene of a constant and rhythmic waltz throughout the seasons, ranging from red-purple to orange, with tones of bronze and green. Its light pink star-shaped flowers bloom in summer, at the heart of mature rosettes. This succulent and hardy perennial plant marries beautifully with stones, softening their contours by covering them with a richly coloured cloak. A prolific variety that requires no maintenance, it thrives in dry and poor soil, relying on rainwater.

Sempervivum 'Othello' is a cultivar dating back to 1951, obtained by cross-breeding the common houseleek or roof houseleek (S. tectorum 'Atropurpureum') and S. marmoreum rubicundum. These plants are botanical species native to Western and Central Europe. These succulent perennials of the Crassulaceae family grow spontaneously in rocky grassland, on rocks and scree, in exposed and sunny locations, mainly in mountainous areas.

The 'Othello' variety has thick and long roots that infiltrate deeply into rock crevices, ensuring good attachment to the walls while drawing water from deep down. The plant slowly forms small colonies of rosettes of different sizes, juxtaposed, reaching 10 to 14cm (4 to 6in) in diameter at maturity, and not exceeding 10cm (4in) in height. Over time, this houseleek can spread through its stoloniferous stems, forming a carpet over 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in) on the ground, perfectly matching the terrain. Resembling a small spreading artichoke, each pruinose rosette is composed of numerous pointed leaves without petioles. Climatic conditions induce a change in their colour, ranging from coral-pink to red-purple, mixed with orange or bronze tones, around a grey-purple centre. The flowering occurs on rosettes aged 2 or 3 years, which will then disappear, having ensured the plant's perpetuity by producing several small rosettes on the periphery. The 15cm (6in) tall flower stalks develop from June to August, formed by thick stems that bear 1 to 5 star-shaped flowers with 8 to 10 petals in a light and bright pink colour.

Sempervivum 'Othello', like all houseleeks, is a boon for gardens where the soil lacks thickness. It thrives where few species survive, colonising abandoned spaces. You can still enjoy this hardy perennial if your soil is poor, rather dry, stony, rocky, or even slightly chalky. It withstands temperatures below -15°C (5°F), requires no maintenance, and promises to animate any pile of stones, a wall, or even a green roof. Houseleeks are easy-to-care-for succulent plants, offering flowers and foliage in various shades that create stunning compositions. Magnificent in pots, especially in low terrine-type pottery, they are irreplaceable in borders, troughs, or rockeries, in the company of London pride (Saxifraga umbrosa), wall bellflowers, or Lewisia cotyledon. These endearing perennials quickly generate the desire to multiply them. Consider choosing companions with staggered blooms (sedums, thymes) and colourful foliage (bergenia, Euphorbia myrsinites) for a colourful and joyful rockery.