Showy Sempervivum
Sempervivum ‘Silverine’ with “chicks” and flower spikes.
Showy Sempervivum
Sempervivum, also known as Hens and Chicks, is a slow spreading, evergreen succulent with varieties that vary tremendously in color, texture and size. The low, spreading growth habit creates a mat of groundcover like growth. As each rosette matures, it creates a tightly formed mother (the hen) which then produces plantlets (the chicks) on stiff, short stems that form a ring around the hen. These chicks will root as they come in to contact with the soil and will become fully independent a short while later.
The colors of the foliage can change dramatically throughout the seasons due to changes in water, light intensity and temperature, providing year-round interest. Typically, in its third year the rosette will bloom. Clusters of small, star-shaped, pinkish flowers are born on branches of flowering stems in summer. The rosettes die after blooming, but the offsets continue to grow and will eventually form chicks of their own.
Sempervivum ‘Pacific Blue Ice’ - 3-4” x 6-8” Unique cupped form with fleshy, Icy blue foliage flushed with rose pink in the center. Transitions to burgundy in cooler weather.
Semervivum ‘Gold Nugget’ -4-6” x 12” Lime green leaves in tight rosettes during the warm months. During the colder months of winter into early spring, the rosettes glow a brilliant gold, with each leaf tipped with electric orangey-red.
Sempervivum ‘Killer’ - 4-6” x 12” Large 5” maroon rosettes with long pointed leaves that transition to green tips.
Culture: Plant in full sun to part shade in well drained, gravely soil. They are drought tolerant but best with some water during the summer months. Plants can be divided easily at any time by pulling up some of the chicks and planting elsewhere. They are deer and rabbit resistant and frost hardy. Sempervivum are excellent for walls, rock gardens, borders, hanging baskets and containers. Originally hailing from the various mountains ranges throughout the Middle East, this species has been bred and hybridized because of their durability.
Note: Our photos were taken during early spring. They will develop brighter colors during warmer months.
Sempervivum ‘Gold Rush’ - 2-3” x 12” Stiffly upright flesh,y ruby red, thin leaves tipped with vibrant gold.
Sempervivum ‘Silverine’ - 3-4” x 6-8” Sharply upright pointed silvery-green wax coated leaves flushed pink to reddish-purple at the base. It turns vibrant magenta in winter.