Data specific to Sempervivum (Edit)
Other Details: Species from Southwestern Alps (France/Italy)
History of species or Cultivar: S. calcareum Jordan (Observ. Pl. Nouv. 7: 26, 1849)
Soil type: Dry
Well draining
Loamy / Medium
Sandy / light
Other: The soil type will depend on what your weather conditions are like. Just make sure it drains well.
Water: Very low
Average
Does not like wet feet
Uses: Accent
Containers
Pests and Diseases: Pest resistant

General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 4a -34.4 °C (-30 °F) to -31.7 °C (-25 °F)
Leaves: Evergreen
Flowers: Showy
Flower Time: Summer
Late summer or early fall
Fall
Other: It may be several years before it blooms
Uses: Provides winter interest
Groundcover
Wildlife Attractant: Bees
Butterflies
Resistances: Deer Resistant
Propagation: Seeds: Provide light
Stratify seeds: Stratifying seeds may improve germination, but is not required
Suitable for wintersowing
Sow in situ
Will not come true from seed
Propagation: Other methods: Offsets
Containers: Suitable in 1 gallon
Suitable in 3 gallon or larger
Needs excellent drainage in pots
Miscellaneous: Monocarpic

Image
Common names
  • Hen and Chicks
  • Houseleek
Botanical names
  • Accepted: Sempervivum calcareum
  • Synonym: Sempervivum californicum

Photo Gallery
Location: Baja California
Date: 2012-09-22
Location: Arvada, Colorado zone 5
Date: 2011-09-10
Purchased from SMG in 2009
Location: Arenas Valley, NM My Home
Date: 2018-03-08
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Location: Arenas Valley, NM, My yard
Date: 2017-09-11
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Photo by PiaLouiseSourvi
Location: South Jordan, Utah, United States
Date: 2018-06-19
Location: West Jordan, Utah, United States
Date: 2018-05-25
Location: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Date: March
credit: Magnus Manske
Location: San Clemente
Date: 2020-01-28
Location: Seattle WA 
Date: 2012-11-28
  • Uploaded by gg5
Photo by thepegasus
Location: Washington 8b
Date: 2017-08-09
Photo by Eviesmummy

Date: 2015-04-22
Location: San Clemente
Date: 2020-01-28
Location: San Clemente
Date: 2020-01-28

Date: 2020-10-16
Location: Stockton, CA
Date: 2014-09-26
A grouping of pups
Location: Washington
Date: 2016-04-15
Location: Denver, CO (full sun)
Date: 2011-11-13
Calcareum from Lowe's!!
Location: San Clemente
Date: 2020-01-28
Location: ,Front Royal,Va
Date: 2012-05-26
Bought this 1 last summer from local nursury
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2021-08-12
Travels well in a box, with some padding.

Photo Courtesy of Mountain Crest Gardens. Used with permission.
  • Uploaded by Joy
This plant is tagged in:
Image Image

« Add a new plant to the database

» Search the Sempervivum Database: by characteristics or by cultivar name

« See the general plant entry for Sempervivum

« Visit the Sempervivum forum

« The Sempervivum Database Front Page

« The Plants Database Front Page

Today's site banner is by Leftwood and is called "Gentiana septemfida"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.