Sempervivum 'Lavender and Old Lace'
Sempervivum 'Lavender and Old Lace'
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Sempervivum 'Lavender and Old Lace' is a cold hardy succulent from the houseleek family, native to the mountainous regions of Europe where it adapted to harsh alpine conditions. It grows well across most northern climates due to its exceptional frost tolerance and drought resistance.
Lavender and Old Lace forms tight rosettes with fleshy, pointed leaves in lavender-pink hues edged in creamy white. Individual rosettes reach 3-4 inches across and develop deeper purple tones when exposed to full sun and cooler temperatures. It clusters freely, producing offsets that create spreading colonies over time, with each rosette maintaining its coloration year-round.
Tall flower spikes with small star-shaped blooms emerge in summer. The plant is non-toxic and completely safe around cats and dogs.
Move it outside for summer and it can remain outdoors through autumn and winter in most climates. It handles balcony wind and rain well, though protection from excessive rainfall prevents root rot. You can leave it up to ten days without water. It tolerates dry heated air and works well in rock gardens, alpine troughs, and outdoor containers.
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Sempervivum 'Lavender and Old Lace' grows well in full sun, which brings out the deepest lavender and purple tones in the foliage.
Water it deeply but infrequently, approximately every 7-10 days during the growing season, reducing frequency significantly in winter.
Lavender and Old Lace does best in well-draining soil mix with added perlite, sand, or pumice for proper drainage.
It tolerates temperatures from 20 to 85°F and is remarkably frost tolerant year-round.
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Lavender and Old Lace grows slowly to moderately and requires minimal fertilizer, responding well to periods of neglect rather than supplemental feeding.
It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and survives frost down to -20°F. It grows outdoors year-round in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. It also flourishes in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and parts of California.
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Q: How often should I water Sempervivum 'Lavender and Old Lace'?
A: During active growth, water when the top inch of soil is dry. In winter, reduce frequency to once every three to four weeks or less.
Q: Is it safe around cats and dogs?
A: Sempervivum 'Lavender and Old Lace' is non-toxic and poses no risk to cats and dogs.
Q: What light does Lavender and Old Lace need for best color?
A: Full sun brings out the deepest lavender and purple tones. Lower light keeps colors pale and growth looser.
Q: How cold can it survive?
A: Lavender and Old Lace tolerates temperatures down to -20°F and stays outdoors year-round in most climates.
Q: How large do rosettes of Lavender and Old Lace get?
A: Individual rosettes reach 3-4 inches across and cluster into spreading colonies as offsets develop over time.
Q: Can it handle neglect on short trips?
A: Once established, Lavender and Old Lace can go without water for extended periods and tolerates drought conditions and dry air.
