Sempervivum, commonly known as Hens and Chicks or Houseleeks, are fascinating alpine succulents celebrated for their captivating rosettes of fleshy leaves and their remarkable hardiness. These resilient plants form dense mats of foliage and readily produce offsets, creating a visually appealing and ever-expanding display. Their ability to thrive in challenging conditions makes them a popular choice for rock gardens, green roofs, and container arrangements.
 
Key Features of Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)
Rosette Formation: Grow in tight, symmetrical rosettes of fleshy leaves.
Diverse Leaf Shapes and Colors: Exhibit a wide variety of leaf shapes, from pointed to rounded, and a broad spectrum of colors, including shades of green, red, purple, bronze, and silver, often changing with the seasons.
Offset Production: Mature rosettes, known as the "hens," produce numerous smaller rosettes, or "chicks," that surround the mother plant.
Mat-Forming Growth Habit: Spread horizontally by stolons, forming dense mats or clusters of interconnected rosettes.
Monocarpic Flowers: Individual rosettes are monocarpic, meaning they flower once at maturity and then die. However, the numerous offsets ensure the plant's continued growth. Flowers are typically star-shaped and appear on short, upright stalks in summer.
Excellent Hardiness: Highly tolerant of cold temperatures and drought conditions.
 
Care for Your Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)
Light: Thrives in full sun to achieve the most vibrant colors and compact growth. Some afternoon shade may be beneficial in very hot climates.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A sandy or gritty soil mix is ideal. Avoid soils that retain excessive moisture.
Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Sempervivums are drought-tolerant and susceptible to overwatering, especially in winter.
Temperature: Highly cold-hardy and can tolerate frost. Also adapts to hot temperatures, provided drainage and air circulation are good.
Humidity: Prefers low to moderate humidity.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)
Removing Dead Hens: After a rosette flowers and dies, remove it to allow space and resources for the chicks.
Dividing Chicks (Optional): If desired, chicks can be separated from the mother plant once they have developed their own roots and grown to a reasonable size. This helps to propagate the plant and prevent overcrowding.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, especially when grown in appropriate conditions. Overwatering can lead to rot.
Minimal Fertilization: Typically do not require regular fertilization. If needed, a very diluted balanced fertilizer can be applied sparingly in spring.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Offsets (Chicks): The easiest and most common method. Gently detach rooted chicks and replant them in well-draining soil.
Division: Mature clumps can be carefully divided, ensuring each division has roots.
Seed: Can be grown from seed, although this is a slower process and may not produce plants identical to the parent.
 
Sempervivums, or Hens and Chicks, are remarkably resilient and visually diverse succulents that are easy to care for. Their ability to form spreading mats of colorful rosettes makes them a fantastic choice for adding texture and interest to a variety of garden settings.
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.
 
*** If you are after a specfic variety which is pictured, please contact us with the image and we will do our best to obtain that variety for you, however we cannot guarantee as we go by what is available at the time and send at random :)