Product Description
Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Cobweb'
Latin translation: Semper means forever and vivo means live.
Which is why Grandma called them 'live forevers' or 'always living'.
Common Name: Houseleeks, Hens and Chicks.
Zone: 3 to 8.
Full sun.
Growth Height: 3 to 4 inches tall, spread 6 to 8 inches. Sempervivums are low, compact, succulent, semi-evergreen perennials from the family Crassulaceae.
'Cobweb' is covered with fine, white threads which crisscross between the leaves' tips like a cobweb. Each rosette of pointy, blue-green leaves grows about 1 inch wide. Their color may vary from season to season. Unusual rose-red flowers are produced on leafy stalks in midsummer.
Plants send out many offspring, forming a dense colony. The parent rosettes are the hens, and the smaller rosettes are the chicks or chickens. The foliage of hens and chicks plants are normally green at the base and reddish brown at the tip, all with close, rigid dented edges.
Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Cobweb', often simply called Cobweb Houseleek or Cobweb Sempervivum, is a fascinating and unique succulent prized for its distinctive appearance. Here is a breakdown of its key features:
Appearance and Characteristics:
- Rosettes of fleshy leaves: Like other sempervivums, 'Cobweb' forms tight rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves.
- Intricate cobwebbing: The most striking feature is the dense network of silvery-white, web-like threads that stretch between the leaf tips, creating a cobweb effect. This is what gives it its name.
- Compact growth: It is a relatively small sempervivum, typically growing only a few inches tall and wide, forming dense mats over time.
- Changes with the seasons: The color of the leaves can vary slightly depending on the season and growing conditions, sometimes showing hints of red or purple.
- Produces offsets (chicks): It readily produces offsets, or "chicks," which grow around the mother plant, eventually forming a dense colony.
Growing Conditions and Care:
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. The more sun it gets, the more pronounced the cobwebbing will be.
- Soil: Requires very well-drained soil. A gritty mix of potting soil and perlite or sand is ideal. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Watering: Water sparingly, especially during the winter months. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems.
- Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Remove any dead leaves or spent flower stalks. Offsets can be easily separated and replanted to propagate new plants.
- Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 5-10, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
Benefits:
- Unique appearance: The cobwebbing makes it a truly eye-catching plant.
- Drought tolerant: An excellent choice for dry, hot climates and xeriscaping.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care.
- Easy to propagate: Offsets can be easily removed and replanted.
- Deer resistant: Deer generally avoid sempervivums.
Uses:
- Rock gardens: Thrives in rocky, well-drained conditions.
- Container gardening: Ideal for container gardens, especially in areas with poor soil.
- Green roofs: Can be used on green roofs due to their drought tolerance and low growth habit.
- Terrariums: Adds a unique touch to terrariums.
- Groundcover: Can be used as a groundcover in very dry, sunny areas.
Overall, Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Cobweb' is a fascinating and easy-to-care-for succulent that adds a touch of whimsy and unique texture to any garden or container. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements make it a perfect choice for beginner gardeners or those looking for low-fuss plants. The striking cobwebbing is a conversation starter and makes it a prized addition to any succulent collection.
Ten (10) plants in 4.5 inch containers per flat (or tray).
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
