Sempervivum Seeds, Houseleek,mat-forming succulent

(Saxifraga Sempervivum ) This is a splendid plant for the rockery (it would make a fine, neat pot plant as well), forming densely arranged rosettes of fleshy, reddish-green leaves, the tips of which are connected cobweb fashion with fine white hairs, and bearing bright rose-red flowers in summer.  Striking, reddish, hairy stems hold clusters of nodding, bright purplish-red flowers above rosettes of grey-green, lime-encrusted leaves which in time produce impressive hummocks. Best grown in an alpine house or in a scree or rock garden, this lovely gem is found throughout the mountains of Balkans and Turkey.  SOWING ADVICE: Seeds can be sown at any time but are best sown in winter or early spring to benefit from a cold spell in the wet compost to break their dormancy. We advise covering seeds very thinly with sand or fine grit to about the depth of the seed size. If the seeds do not come up within 6 to 12 weeks the damp seed tray can be given cold treatment in a fridge for about four wee