Caucasian Stonecrop 'Pittonii'

Sempervivum pittonii (often grouped with S. stoloniferum) is a rare and distinct species of houseleek that is highly valued by alpine enthusiasts. It forms medium-sized, globose rosettes of pale green leaves that are densely covered in fine, velvety hairs, giving the plant a soft, fuzzy appearance. The tips of the leaves are often marked with a tiny brown spot. In summer, it produces relatively large, starry flowers that are an unusual shade of greenish-yellow, standing out from the more common pinks of other Sempervivums. It is fully hardy (H7) and excellent for outdoor rock gardens in the UK. Because of its hairy leaves, it can be slightly more sensitive to winter wet than its smooth-leaved relatives, so planting at an angle in a crevice or providing extra grit around the collar is beneficial. It is slow-growing but eventually forms attractive, dense cushions. It is a perfect choice for specialized alpine troughs or sunny dry-stone walls.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Very gritty, sharply drained soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.