Sempervivum soboliferum
hen and chickens houseleek
An evergreen perennial succulent forming rosettes to 5cm across, composed of glossy, fleshy, bright green leaves with fringed margins and tips that flush red with age. In summer, leafy stems to 20cm tall bear greenish-yellow, bell-shaped flowers. Grow in a rock garden, alpine trough or wall crevice
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Jovibarba are rosette-forming perennial succulents. They are mainly grown for their architectural and colourful foliage, but they may also produce pale greenish-yellow or yellow bell-shaped flowers.
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, gritty, well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by removal of offsets in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil larvae
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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