Scientific Name
Sempervivum marmoreum subsp. erythraeum (Velen.) B.J.M. Zonneveld
Common Names
Houseleek, Hen and Chicks
Synonyms
Sempervivum erythraeum, Sempervivum ballii, Sempervivum cinerascens, Sempervivum leucanthum, Sempervivum marmoreum var. erythraeum, Sempervivum montanum var. erythraeum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sempervivum
Description
Sempervivum marmoreum subsp. erythraeum is a succulent plant that forms rosettes of fleshy leaves. The rosettes grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. The center of the rosettes is a vivid green with the lower and upper leaves tipped in a dark plum. Flowering stalks are erect, up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall, and bear red flowers with white margins. Each flower is up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 4a to 9b: from −30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 25 °F (−3.9 °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 clustered 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, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out 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.
Origin
Sempervivum marmoreum subsp. erythraeum is native to south-eastern Europe and central Europe.
Links
- Back to genus Sempervivum
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
