Scientific name: Sempervivum
Common name: Kip
There are purple rosettes on this cold hardy Succulent. As it grows, it spreads out and creates an excellent ground cover. It adds color to your winter garden. This plant is monocarpic, meaning it will die after it blooms. It takes several years to bloom, so watch for star-shaped purple flowers in the summer.
Quick Look at Sempervivum
- Full sun to partial shade
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows to 3 in (5 cm) tall
Plant grows to 6 in (9.5 cm) wide - Zone 5a (Minimum -20°F | -28.8°C)
- Cold hardy
- Propagation by offsets
- Generally non-toxic to people and pets
- Winter dormant
General Care for Sempervivum ‘Kip’
There is interest to a cold-hardy garden. Under a blanket of snow, it keeps its bright color all winter long. It’s a great addition to green roofs.
Watering
Sempervivum ‘Kip’ has typical watering needs. The “soak and dry” method will allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Our free watering cheat sheet will show you how to tell if your plants are getting too much water and how to save it.
Where to Plant
The temperature can be as low as -20F (-28.9C). It thrives in areas with full sun or partial sun.
How to Propagate Sempervivum ‘Kip’
Sempervivum can be easily moved from one location to another. Each “hen” will produce a large number of “chicks”, which can be removed from the mother plant and potted or added to arrangements.
Offsets
Small offsets will be produced by ‘Kip’. To remove the offsets from the main stem, use a sterile knife or scissors. Allow the offsets to dry for a couple of days before laying on the soil.
Practical uses
Sempervivum ‘Kip’ is a great plant to use as part of a green roof.
