Scientific Name
Sempervivum 'Magnificum'
Common Name(s)
Hen and Chicks, Houseleek, Live Forever
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sempervivum
Origin
Sempervivum 'Magnificum' is a hybrid introduced in 1970 in the United States by Sandy MacPherson. The parentage is unknown.
Description
Sempervivum 'Magnificum' is a beautiful small succulent that forms compact rosettes of rose to purple leaves. The rosettes can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter and produce offsets, forming an attractive clump with age. The fleshy, pointed leaves change color depending on the season and have a protective waxy coating.
In mid-summer, the rosettes produce pink, star-shaped flowers in clusters atop a stalk that rises above the foliage.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 5a to 10a: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 35 °F (+1.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Sempervivums are not difficult to grow, provided they are not waterlogged and killed from excess watering. They can be easily grown outdoors and in containers, and they earned the name "Houseleeks" from their tendency to root on the roofs of houses. After the mother plant flowers, it will naturally die, but the plant has likely produced many offsets that will continue to grow by this time. These are excellent for cold windows. Sempervivum earned their popular name, "Hen and Chicks," from their growth habit. The mother plant, or hen, sends off numerous offsets, which will cluster around her base like chicks. These offsets can be easily repotted, or the plants can be left to form a clumping mat.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roout as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum.
Links
- Back to genus Sempervivum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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