Sempervivum Calcareum, Woman´s Nail. C09

Sempervivum Calcareum belongs to the genus Sempervivum, family Crassulaceae, and includes 40 species of succulent plants native to North Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

It has the common names of Woman's Claw and Immortelle. This species originates from the Alps, Europe.

They are small succulent plants that form clusters of beautiful rosettes up to 12 cm in diameter. The decorative, fleshy leaves are light green with maroon or purple tips.

The flowers appear on long flower stalks and can be pink, white, yellow or red. They flower in the second half of summer; the mother rosette dies after flowering but produces lateral shoots.

They are used in rockeries, on rocky slopes, in cracks in walls and in wide pots on balconies, terraces, patios and windows.

Sempervivum calcareum prefers to be in semi-shade, receiving sun in the early hours of the day. It resists frost well.

It is a plant that grows in any type of well-drained soil, especially in rocky or stony soils. Pot transplanting is done in spring or autumn.

It should be watered moderately, waiting until the substrate has dried out completely; reduce watering in winter. They withstand drought well.

This plant does not need fertiliser or pruning.

Sempervivum calcareum is resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture.

It is a plant that is easily propagated by cutting.