About
Sempervivum tectorum, the common houseleek or hen-and-chicks, is a rosette-forming, evergreen perennial to 5 cm with flat, open rosettes 5�10 cm across of fleshy, green leaves often tipped purple-red. Flowers are dull-red to pink in dense cymes on leafy stems to 30 cm from summer to early autumn. A classic and easy-care plant for a sunny, well-drained wall, roof, rock garden or container.
About the genus
Sempervivum, the houseleeks, are evergreen perennials forming spreading mats of fleshy-leaved rosettes, often attractively coloured or tipped, with star-shaped, pink or pale-yellow flowers in summer. Excellent and easy-care plants for a sunny, well-drained rock garden, wall, trough or container.
Plant details
Suggested usesRock gardens, troughs, green roofs, wall crevices, containers. Excellent low-maintenance ground cover.
Care notes
CultivationFull sun in very well-drained, gritty soil. Thrives in poor, thin soils. Extremely drought-tolerant once established.
PruningRemove spent flower stems. No other pruning needed � the colony self-maintains.
PropagationDetach offsets and replant. Extremely easy to propagate.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Vine weevil may occasionally affect container plants.
Disease resistanceRot in waterlogged soil. Ensure sharp drainage, especially in winter.