Data specific to Sempervivum (Edit)
Hybrid: Yes
Hybridizer: Unknown
Year of registration: Has been in circulation in the U.S.
Size: Large - 4" to 9"
Other: Up to 5" or more.
Soil type: Dry
Well draining
Loamy / Medium
Sandy / light
Other: Plants prefer average to poor soils
Foliage: Smooth
Green: July thru November, December thru April green w/reddish brown blush.
Tan: Greenish tan, red edges on leaves in late spring.
Water: Very low
Average
Does not like wet feet
Uses: Accent
Containers
Edging
Pests and Diseases: Pest resistant
Availability: Easy to find
Toxicity: Low risk
None
Possible skin irritant to some people

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: Good fall color
Unusual foliage color
Evergreen
Flowers: Showy
Flower Time: Summer
Late summer or early fall
Fall
Other: It may be several years before it blooms
Suitable Locations: Xeriscapic
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
Needs specific temperature
Suitable for wintersowing
Sow in situ
Will not come true from seed
Propagation: Other methods: Division
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
  • Live Forever

Photo Gallery
Location: Pacific Northwest, zone 8
Date: Seasonal changes
Location: No. CA zone 9b
Date: 2014-08-30
Pink flowered bloom
Location: Willamette Valley Oregon
Date: 2014-10-04
Location: Pacific North West zone 8
Date: Mar 12, 2011
Location: Pacific North West zone 8
Date: May 4, 2011
Photo by jkbingh
Location: Lincoln NE zone 5
Date: 2015-05-05
Location: Western Washington
Date: 2013-08-12
Location: Pacific North West zone 8
Date: Sep 10, 2011
Location: Pacific North West zone 8
Date: May 11, 2011
Location: Pacific North West zone 8
Date: Jul 26, 2010
Location: Pacific North West zone 8
Date: Sep 11, 2010
Location: Pacific North West zone 8
Date: Nov 7, 2010
Location: Pacific North West zone 8
Date: Dec 31, 2010
Location: Pacific North West zone 8
Date: May 7, 2011
Location: Little garden of Big Dreams, Dayton KY
Date: Spring 2015
Location: my garden zone 7b NC
Date: 2012-05-28
Location: Lincoln NE zone 5
Date: 2017-05-27
Location: Doddridge Co. WV Zone 6a
Date: 6/17
S. 'Abba'
This plant is tagged in:
Image Image

Comments:
  • Posted by valleylynn (Oregon City, OR - Zone 8b) on Oct 21, 2011 9:28 PM concerning plant:
    S. 'Abba' is an easy to grow semp. It has held up very well in both our long rainy season and our 2 months of drought in the summer. It has not suffered from rot or dehydration.
    Throughout the year it goes from a solid mid green to a lovely yellow/tan color, with red edging on the leaves. It is quite striking in the color stage.
    Size is about 5" in diameter.
    Very productive with at least 20 offsets per mature rosette.
    Is not prone to bloom young.
  • Posted by valleylynn (Oregon City, OR - Zone 8b) on Mar 16, 2010 10:20 PM concerning plant:
    Notice how the plant shrinks in size during winter and the tips turn dark. Looks much different. My rating is 3 stars until I see how it does this summer, at which time I may change my rating to a higher score.

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