Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Michael Wolf

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Aichryson tortuosum

Also Known As

Aeonium tortuosum
Sempervivum tortuosum
Gouty Houseleek

Plant type

cactus / succulent, groundcover

size

H: 6"-8"
W: 8"-12"

planting zones

9a-12

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Aichryson tortuosum plant details

Aichryson tortuosum is an evergreen groundcover cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In winter yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aichryson tortuosum

Plant type: groundcover cactus / succulent
Plant family: crassulaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 8 IN - 12 IN - wide, 6 IN - 8 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in winter
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, houseplant, long-lived, rock garden, roof garden, rosette-forming, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aichryson tortuosum

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: regular

Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Nice little 'shrublets' of small pinwheels. One of the two shrub-forming Aichrysons. Often misspelled (tortulosum), Aichryson tortuosum is a winter grower, going dormant during the summer. However, don't let the plants go dry for any extended time.