Sempervivum grandiflorum (Houseleek, Hen and Chicks)


Botanical Information

FamilyCrassulaceae
GenusSempervivum
Speciesgrandiflorum
SynonymsSempervivum braunii, Sempervivum gaudinii
CategoryPerennials
OriginSouthern Switzerland and northern Italy.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone2
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone3
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-40
Temperature (°F)-40
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJuly, August, September

Description and Growing Information

ShapeClumping and mat-forming.
LandscapeContainers, in potted succulent collections, ground cover in rock gardens, as a potted patio plant or as a specimen.
PropagationOffsets.
CultivationPlant in full sun in dry, well-draining loamy or sandy soil.
Notable SpecimensUniversity of Alberta Botanic Garden, Devon, Alberta, Canada.
HabitatDry rock outcroppings.
Leaf DescriptionRosettes that measure up to 5 cm in diameter of pinnate, fleshy, occasionally variegated leaves.
Flower DescriptionShowy small cup-shaped cymes.
Colour DescriptionMedium green to light green foliage that is occasionally tipped with a dull red. Showy pale yellow-petaled cymes with burgundy stamen.
Texture DescriptionSmooth and leathery.

Photographs