Growing Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks): Evergreen Rosettes

Plant Overview

Sempervivum forms tight rosettes of fleshy leaves. The mother rosette (“hen”) produces offsets (“chicks”) and dies after flowering in 2–3 years, but the colony lives on.

Culture

Full sun. Poor, sandy, or rocky soil with sharp drainage. No fertilizer. Space 6 inches apart. Thrives in rock crevices, troughs, and even soilless roof plantings.

Uses

Rock gardens, containers, strawberry jars, green roofs, edging. “Houseleeks” historically grown on European rooftops.

Care

Almost none. Remove dead rosettes. Protect from excessive winter wet in cold climates.