Sempervivum

( sem - per - VYE - vum )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Hens and Chicks or Houseleek, this genus of succulent perennials need light shade in hotter climates and little to moderate amounts of water. These plants are known for their offsets and tightly-packed rosettes of green fleshy leaves. Flowers appear in summer and come in yellow, pink, red, or green and are not particularly showy. Rosettes die after bloom, but by that time chicks have formed nearby and carry on the show. Many species are great for rock gardens, in containers, and snuggled into rocks. They are native to European mountain ranges. 

Sempervivum Species and Varietals

These succulents grow best in zones 2-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Sempervivum arachnoideum (Cobweb Houseleek)
This species forms grey-green rosettes whose leaves are connected by thin hairs. It spreads slowly to form a dense mat 1 foot or wider. Flowers appear at the end of 4-6 inch tall stems and are bright red. Varieties include 'Cebenese' (green leaves with burgundy tips) and 'Cobweb Buttons' (covered with geometric web patterns).
Sempervivum hybrids
These plants form crowded rosettes of varying colors and shapes, and are widely sold. Varieties are listed below.
'Oddity'
Widely sold hybrid with burgundy-tipped green foliage that form tubes. Gets to 8 inches tall and about a foot wide. 
'Black'
This hybrid has green new leaves that mature to a dark maroon color. 
'Rubikon'
Red rosettes. 
'Krebs'
Chocolate-green foliage. 

​Sempervivum tetorum (Hen and Chickens)
This species of Sempervivum forms grey-green 2-5 inch wide rosettes and spreads quickly to form clumps around 2 feet wide. Foliage is red-brown at the tips, and tips are also bristled. Varieties come with differing leaf colors, including red, purple, chartreuse, and silver-blue.

Caring for Name

These plants need excellent drainage and should only be watered if they look like they are shriveling up. Protect from full sun conditions in hot climates. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 600, Sempervivum