Tristesse

A form of S. calcareum that forms hard (rock hard!) shapely rosettes with a pronounced brown tinge, especially in spring.

An outstanding cultivar that won an Award of Garden Merit from The RHS in 2008. A must for any collection - colour, shape, size, ease of care - but like many outstanding plants, 'Tristesse' doesn't favour us with many offsets. Perhaps that is why Tristesse translates as 'sadness' and not the dark colour?

Gustaaf van der Steen (B) 1984

Sent in 9cm pots as growing, established plants.