Sempervivum tectorum

Common Names

Common Houseleek, Hens and Chicks, Houseleek, Roof Houseleek

Summary

Common Houseleek is an evergreen, mat-forming succulent native to the mountains of southern Europe, forming tight basal rosettes of fleshy blue-green leaves often with reddish-purple tips; rosettes measure about 4–10 cm in diameter; offsets arise around the mother plant to form dense mats; flowering is monocarpic with a tall stalk bearing star-shaped pink to purple-red flowers, after which the mother rosette dies and offsets continue the colony.

Grows best in full sun to light shade in very well-drained, drought-prone soils; extremely drought-tolerant and tolerant of poor soils; water sparingly and allow soil to dry between waterings; propagation mainly by offsets, with seeds also possible; spreads to form ground-cover colonies and is suitable for rock gardens, walls, rock crevices, and containers, and historically planted on roofs; hardy to USDA zones 3a–8b; minimal maintenance with rare pests, though rust can occur in moist conditions.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 inches

Spread

6-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining sandy or gritty soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (pH 6.0–8.0).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, preferably sandy or gritty, that dries out quickly between waterings.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Pink to Purple

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green, often blue-green with reddish-purple tinges.

Fall Foliage Color

Green to red to purple (depends on growing conditions).

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow growing; several years to reach maximum size.

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees and butterflies