About

Jovibarba sobolifera, the hen and chickens houseleek, is an evergreen perennial succulent forming rosettes to 5 cm across of glossy, fleshy, vivid-green leaves with fringed margins and tips that flush red with age. In summer, leafy stems to 20 cm bear greenish-yellow, bell-shaped flowers. Readily produces rolling offsets that separate and root independently. An ornamental and easy-care succulent for a sunny rock garden, trough or wall crevice.

About the genus

Jovibarba are rosette-forming perennial succulents producing compact, architectural rosettes of fleshy, water-storing leaves and pale greenish-yellow or yellow, bell-shaped flowers in summer. Grown mainly for their architectural, colourful foliage in sunny, very well-drained positions.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Cactus Succulent
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, gritty, well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by removal of offsets in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil larvae
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free
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