Sempervivum CHICK CHARMS^®

Houseleek or hens&chicks is in fact a plant of two genus - sempervivum and jovibarba. They are so similar that the trade does not really differentiate them, possibly also because sempervivum is an accepted synonym for jovibarba. Houseleek comes from mountainous regions of Asia, Central Russia, and almost all Europe. It is an evergreen, thick-leaved succulent with handsome rosettes of coloured foliage. Several species and numerous varieties and hybrids are known, many of them combining shades of green, silvery blue, various depths of red, even pink and burgundy red. Multicoloured forms are very popular as well as hairy types (s.arachnoideum - these dislike winter wet). From midsummer summer they make star-shaped flowers of pale colours (white, yellow, red, or purple) on very thick, 5-20 cm tall stems, but some produce flowers just above the foliage like e.g. ice plants. Rosettes die after flowering but are quickly replaced by others that were formed meanwhile (just like very similar century plants).

CHICK CHARMS^® is a fascinating and beautiful series of hens and chicks including the award-winning gem Gold Nugget from 2017 that was bred by Chris Hanson and which emerges golden orange and red and shines like a real star. But it would be unfair not to mention the others which are no less beautiful and offer various shades of red, green, and blue.

Houseleek is so easy to grow. Just place your plant into gritty, sharp-draining soil in full sun and enjoy its happy life. No other needs. Fertilizing is possible if you want bigger plants and quicker spreading but is not necessary. Plants spread slowly by producing new spherical babies on thin wires which dry out as soon as the new plant touches the soil and is big enough to make its own roots. Houseleek is commonly very hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4), though some species and varieties may be hardier or a little more tender than others.

Last update 02-09-2020; 06-12-2021