Scientific Name
Sempervivum pumilum M.Bieb.
Common Name(s)
Houseleek
Synonym(s)
Sempervivum braunii, Sempervivum dominii, Sempervivum montanum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sempervivum
Etymology
The specific epithet "pumilum" (pronounced "POO-mil-um") means "dwarf" and refers to the smaller rosettes of this species compared with most other Sempervivum species.
Origin
Sempervivum pumilum is native to the Northern Caucasus (Russia) and South Caucasus (Georgia/Ossetia). Russia and Georgia. It occurs in stony slopes and rocky places in the alpine zone at elevations between 4,270 and 9,840 feet (1,300 and 3,000 m).
Description
Sempervivum pumilum is a low-growing succulent that forms small rosettes of hairy, lance-shaped leaves. The rosettes can reach a diameter of 0.8 inches (2 cm) and produce numerous offsets on short stolons. The leaves are greyish-green, often with a pinkish tinge in summer. They can measure up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) wide.
The flowers have rose-purple petals with pale margins and appear in clusters on stout stalks in summer, clothed with large imbricate leaves. The flower stalks can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum pumilum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 5a to 10a: from -20°F (-28.9°C) to 35°F (1.7°C).
Sempervivums are not challenging to grow, provided they are not waterlogged and killed by excess watering. They can be easily grown outdoors and in containers, and they earned the name "Houseleeks" because they tend to root on the roofs of houses. After the mother plant flowers, it will naturally die, but it has likely produced many offsets that will continue to grow by this time. These are excellent for cold windows. Sempervivum earned its popular name, "Hen and Chicks," from their growth habit. The mother plant, or hen, sends off numerous offsets, clustering 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 it with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then 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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