Perennial · Crassulaceae family
common houseleek
Sempervivum tectorum
In short a 10-second read
Common houseleek (perennial) grows to 0.05–0.3 m tall and 0.1–0.3 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry soil. It flowers in June–August; the flowers are pink or red. Hardy to −26 °C.
× spread 0.1–0.3 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry soil. Hardy to −26 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry · watering: little
Soil: sandy, gravelly
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 5–10 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–August · pink or red
Planting
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −26 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −26 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
catmint
0.45–0.6 m
spring crocus
0.08–0.15 m
lesser periwinkle
0.08–0.3 mReady-made Studio combinations that include common houseleek
Blue globe thistles and sea holly over grey grass and houseleeks —…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does common houseleek flower?
In June–August; the flowers are pink or red.
Does common houseleek tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does common houseleek need?
At maturity 0.1–0.3 m wide and 0.05–0.3 m tall; recommended spacing 20 cm.
Does common houseleek survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −26 °C.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 8 expert sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.
Show sources (8)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Plants For A Future
- RHS Plant Finder
- EPPO Reporting Service — update of the EU list of invasive alien species
- AOPK ČR — invazní rostliny
- EPPO Reporting Service — The German lists of invasive alien plants
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
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