Sempervivum Arctic White

Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Arctic White' is a hybrid variety of houseleek with a nearly white colour and a cottony appearance that forms a carpet-like, sculptural and original cushion. A fine veil of white bristles is stretched around its very tight little rosettes, which seem to be trapped in a spider's web. This plant is ideal for carpeting arid and stony areas. It can be used in small touches or en masse, to bring light and contrast. It requires nothing more than a clear and sunny location.

From the Crassulaceae family, this 'Arctic White' sempervivum ('Belsemcob2') is part of the Colorokz® collection which brings together hybrids selected for their remarkable colours and their very compact vegetation with multiple branches. This little plant is proof that poor soil and rock terrain can also accommodate pretty specimens with vibrant hues.

Sempervivum arachnoid is a species that is quite variable in appearance. It lives on rocks or scree, dispersing its fine seeds in crevices and clinging to the smallest cracks. The 'Arctic White' variety slowly forms small colonies of rosettes of different sizes, juxtaposed, very tight, not exceeding 8 cm in height. Over time, it can form a spreading carpet on the ground, perfectly following the relief, through its stoloniferous stems. Resembling small artichokes from 1.5 cm to 4 cm in diameter, each rosette is composed of numerous pointed leaves, without petioles, connected to each other by a dense silky weaving. The white threads, stretched between the leaves, shine in the sun. The roots of this perennial are thick and long; they penetrate deeply into the crevices of the rocks, ensuring a good fixation while drawing water from deep down. Flowering appears on rosettes that are 2 or 3 years old, which will then disappear after producing several small rosettes on the periphery. The flower stalks develop in summer, formed by thick stems that bear 1 to 5 flowers with 8-10 pink petals with a purple centre. This variety can withstand temperatures below -15°C.

Sempervivum arachnoid 'Arctic White' thrives in the sun wherever the soil is thin, where few plants survive. If your land is poor, rocky and rather dry, you can still enjoy this hardy perennial that 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 make stunning compositions. Magnificent for their design in pots, especially in low pots like 'bonsai terrines', they are irreplaceable in borders, troughs, or rockeries. Mix several varieties to create multicoloured carpets. These miniature perennials quickly generate the desire to collect and multiply them. Consider choosing companions such as sedums and Delosperma, with staggered flowering and colourful foliage, for a variegated and joyful rockery.