Sempreviva blooms abundantly in Kythera, though most of it grows on the rocky islet of Chytra, in the steepest spots, as if it does not want to be approached.

According to myth, Paris and Helen stopped at the island on their way to Troy to honor Aphrodite. Paris pointed to the flower: "Your hair has the golden hue of this flower, your body resembles its stem, your skin is as soft as its petals. Your beauty will remain forever."

The Venetians named it sempre viva. It holds its form long after it has been cut.