Sempervivum calcareum: Houseleek – Symmetrical Rosettes with Red Tips

Sempervivum calcareum – Houseleek, Hen-and-Chickens

Sempervivum calcareum is a beautiful species of Houseleek (Hen-and-Chickens) forming tight, symmetrical rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves. The leaves are blue-green with distinctive, deep burgundy-red tips, especially pronounced in cool weather and full sun. The mother rosette ("hen") produces numerous offsets ("chicks") on short stolons, forming a dense colony over time. In summer, mature rosettes send up a thick flower stalk with starry pink flowers, then die (monocarpic), leaving the chicks to continue.

Houseleeks demand full sun and sharp, gritty drainage. They thrive in rock crevices, alpine troughs, green roofs, and containers. They are extremely drought-tolerant and cold-hardy. Avoid wet winter crowns. The geometric rosettes and vivid tip coloration make S. calcareum a standout in any succulent collection. A classic, easy-care plant for xeric gardens.

Plant Profile