Overview
Jovibarba heuffelii is a matforming cactus succulent in the genus Jovibarba, part of the Crassulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Jovibarba heuffelii grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough and alpine house.
About
Jovibarba heuffelii, common name hen-and-chickens, is a plant species native to the Balkans and to the Carpathians in Europe but reportedly naturalized in Wisconsin and probably in other parts of North America. It grows on rocky outcrops. Jovibarba heuffelii is a perennial herb forming basal rosettes of succulent leaves that are ciliate along the margins. Flowering stalks are erect, succulent, up to 20 cm (8 inches) tall, bearing a cyme of up to 40 white to yellowish flowers. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough and alpine house. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in very well-drained, gritty compost. Full sun.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Jovibarba heuffelii
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Jovibarba
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Jovibarba heuffelii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, scree bed, wall crevice, trough, alpine house
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Jovibarba heuffelii
- Propagation
- Offsets in spring or summer
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Jovibarba heuffelii?
Jovibarba heuffelii prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Jovibarba heuffelii need?
Jovibarba heuffelii grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Jovibarba heuffelii hardy in the UK?
Jovibarba heuffelii has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Jovibarba heuffelii?
Offsets in spring or summer.
More in the Jovibarba genus
- Jovibarba globiferum subsp. hirtum 'Blutrot'
- Jovibarba heuffelii 'Charell'
- Jovibarba heuffelii 'Cover Girl'
- Jovibarba heuffelii 'Golden Touch'
- Jovibarba heuffelii 'Hystyle'
- Jovibarba heuffelii 'Quennevalis'
- Jovibarba hirta subsp. glabrescens
- Jovibarba heuffelii Stogard form