Pot Size: 3.5"
Accepted Scientific Name:
Sempervivum 'Colorockz® Emerald Swirl'
Origin and Habitat:
Sempervivum 'Colorockz® Emerald Swirl' is a modern cultivar developed as part of the Colorockz® series, which was bred in Europe for ornamental value, durability, and adaptability. It descends from hardy alpine Sempervivum species native to the mountainous regions of southern and central Europe, where they thrive in poor, rocky soils with high sun exposure and harsh winters. While 'Emerald Swirl' is not a wild plant, it inherits the toughness of its ancestors and is well-suited for drought-prone gardens, container plantings, green roofs, and other low-maintenance landscape settings. Its showy color patterns and weather tolerance make it popular among succulent collectors and gardeners in temperate climates.
Description:
Sempervivum 'Colorockz® Emerald Swirl' forms compact, symmetrical rosettes that grow 3 to 4 inches in diameter. The thick, pointed leaves display a dramatic swirl of emerald green and deep burgundy, with the rich center color radiating outward in a spiral pattern. The foliage shifts with the seasons, becoming more vibrant in cooler weather. In summer, mature rosettes produce tall flower stalks bearing clusters of pink, star-shaped blooms. Like other hens-and-chicks, the flowering rosette dies after blooming, with surrounding offsets continuing the plant’s growth.
Cultivation:
Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8
Temperature: Tolerates from -30°C to 27°C
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil with pumice for aeration and moisture control
Watering: Water deeply when soil is dry; avoid prolonged moisture or waterlogged conditions
Fertilizing: Apply diluted, balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during active growth in spring and summer
Light: Full sun promotes best coloration; partial shade is tolerated but may dull colors
Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant; watch for mealybugs and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Propagation:
Easily propagated by removing offsets from the base and planting them in pumice-rich, dry soil.
Image Description:
Emerald green and burgundy swirled rosettes of Sempervivum 'Emerald Swirl' in natural sunlight
