x Semponium Destiny

x Semponium 'Destiny' is the result of a unique intergeneric cross-breeding between an Aeonium and a Sempervivum. Both genera are succulent plants characterised by their rosette foliage. 'Destiny' is similar to purple Aeoniums, but it retains its intense and very dark colouration throughout the year. It develops a large and unique rosette of thick and glossy, almost black-purple leaves with a bright green centre in winter. It maintains a compact habit and gradually forms a dense cone-shaped plant. It is currently considered hardy to -5º C pending further tests. It was named Plant of the Year in 2022 by the Royal Horticultural Society.

x Semponium 'Destiny' belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is the first hybrid between two genera of succulent plants: Aeonium and Sempervivum or houseleeks. The former are mainly native to the Canary Islands, but also to Madeira, Morocco, and Ethiopia. Aeoniums are beautiful perennial plants with rosette foliage, astonishing colours, and various forms. Houseleeks, on the other hand, are found spontaneously in rocky meadows, on rocks and scree, especially in mountainous areas. They display lovely rosettes of green, golden, bluish, or reddish-purple leaves. 'Destiny' spreads up to 60 cm in diameter, consisting of a single, very dark rosette, enlivened by an acidic green centre in winter. The rosette is composed of numerous spatulate, thick, and veined leaves, without petioles.

x Semponium 'Destiny', like its parents, is an excellent plant for dry or alpine rockeries in mild climates. If your soil is poor, rather dry, stony, rocky, or even slightly chalky, you can enjoy this perennial with its strong design and colour. Plant it in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Like purple Aeoniums, it can be successfully grown in pots and brought indoors to a conservatory in winter to protect it from the cold. Its large sculptural rosette is spectacular in a container. You can also combine it in a rockery with houseleeks of various colours, Sedums, or Lewisia cotyledon with pink flowers for contrast.