Sempervivum, commonly known as hens and chicks, is a strikingly resilient succulent prized for its sculptural rosettes and low maintenance nature. Thriving in rock gardens, containers, and even harsh climates, this alpine plant stores water in its thick leaves, making it exceptionally drought tolerant. With a wide range of colors, textures, and cold hardiness, sempervivum is a favorite among gardeners seeking year round interest with minimal effort. Its ability to spread and form dense mats also makes it an excellent choice for naturalistic and modern garden designs.
House Leeks or Hen and Chicks
Probably one of the easiest to grow of all of the succulents sempervivum are a genus of over 40 species that grow to form low growing attractive rosette like patterns.
Common Names
One common name ‘House leeks’, comes from the practice of growing these succulents on roof tops i Europe. They were said to help prevent lighting strikes.
The other common name of Hen and Chicks, comes from the big rosettes, which are the ‘hens’, and the smaller ones, or offsets that form around them are the ‘chicks’. The larger rosettes the ‘hens’ will flower and then die, but you simply replace them with the ‘chicks’.
Whats in a Name?
The Name Sempervivum is direct from the Latin, “semper” meaning “always” and “vivus” meaning “living”. So ever living or if you like evergreen.
One of species is ‘tectorum’ and this comes from Latin tector, which means overlaying, and tectum, which means roof. So ‘ on top of the roof’, this was the species where the ‘House Leeks’ name comes from.
Sempervivum Varieties
Many cultivars are available, often from species that may not be named. So Sempervivum cv. Purple Haze is a cultivar of S. heuffelii (see picture right)
With a huge variety of these colourful characters available you should easily be able to create a great feature in a pot in a sunny corner. Popular varieties include :
- S. tectorum , the the common houseleek.
- S. arachnoideum the ‘Cobweb Houseleek’.
- S. calcareum with its lovely little rosettes is widely grown as well
How to Grow Sempervivum – Basic care
Despite the name ‘House leeks’ Sempervivum grow best outdoors, grow them in a rock garden, crevice garden, in containers or as a ‘Green roof’.
- All varieties prefer a well drained soil, a gritty potting mix designed for succulents is best.
- Full sun is best for good growth.
- A good soaking every 2-3 weeks is enough watering.
- We suggest using a specialist cactus and succulent potting mix for best results.
They are suitable for growing in containers or pots, especially the smaller species. Full sun and a well drained soil. The only real problem is overwatering, so a free draining soil or potting mix is essential.
Propagation.
Sempervivum or Hens and Chicks will produce chicks (see left) during the growing season, and this is the easiest method of propagation.
The Chicks can be left or removed reduce crowding or to start a new colony. Sempervivum take fairly easily so propagating should be simple.
When propagating , it is best to place the chicks in a cool shady area for 4 -5 days in a good succulent potting mix, water once and then water again once the potting medium dries out. Remember that the Hens will die after flowering.
Sempervivum Problems
- If the lower leaves are turning a little translucent, or even worse showing signs of rot, you are over watering.
All varieties need good drainage and the root systems do not like prolonged soaking in cold water. This combination leads to root rot.
To try to solve this, remove them from the potting mix and replant in a dryish free draining medium. - If the leaves are looking scorched, then they are sunburned. Move the plats to a position in morning sun and afternoon shade.
- If the leaves are starting to turn downwards, it can be a sign of lack of light.
- Elongated foliage can also be sign of lack of light.
Where To Buy
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
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