Scientific Name
Sempervivum 'Westerlin'
Common Name(s)
Hen and Chicks, Houseleek, Live Forever
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sempervivum
Origin
Sempervivum 'Westerlin' is a hybrid likely created in the United States. It was named by Helen E. Payne in 1974. The breeder and parentage are unknown.
Description
Sempervivum 'Westerlin' is a small, eye-catching succulent that forms large rosettes of red, sharply pointed leaves with green tips. The rosettes can reach a diameter of 6 inches (15 cm) and produce offsets on very short stolons. The color of the leaves varies from season to season.
A short spike of pastel flowers appears in summer. The rosette dies after flowering.
How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum 'Westerlin'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 4a to 9b: from -30°F (-34.4°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C).
Sempervivums are not difficult 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" from their tendency 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 have already begun 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 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, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots and remove 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. Let 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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