Sempervivum #56

Sempervivum (Hen and Chicks) - The Toughest Succulent for Australian Gardens

Discover the incredible hardiness of Sempervivum, affectionately known as "Hen and Chicks" for its charming habit of producing baby rosettes around the mother plant. This stunning red variety features compact, symmetrical rosettes with vibrant burgundy-red tips that intensify in cooler weather. Unlike most succulents, Sempervivum thrives in cold conditions, tolerating frost down to -20°C, making it perfect for alpine gardens, Melbourne winters, and Canberra's freezing temperatures.

Native to the mountainous regions of Europe, Sempervivum has become a beloved staple in Australian rock gardens, alpine troughs, and container displays. The name "Sempervivum" literally means "always alive" - a testament to this plant's remarkable resilience and ability to survive conditions that would kill most succulents.

Why Sempervivum is Perfect for Australian Gardens

✓ Ultra Frost-Hardy: Survives temperatures down to -20°C - thrives where other succulents fail
✓ Four Season Color: Deepest red colors develop in autumn and winter
✓ Self-Propagating: Mother plant produces multiple "chick" offsets that form stunning clusters
✓ Evergreen Ground Cover: Provides year-round interest and texture
✓ Drought Tolerant: Once established, needs minimal watering
✓ Low Maintenance: Perfect for busy gardeners and beginners
✓ Compact Size: Rosettes typically 5-10cm diameter, ideal for small spaces
✓ Pest & Disease Resistant: Naturally tough and problem-free

Key Features of This Red Sempervivum Variety

Rosette Size: 5-10cm diameter per rosette
- Color: Green base with burgundy-red tips; deepens to rich red in cold weather
- Growth Habit: Mat-forming, produces abundant offsets
- Flower: Pink to red star-shaped blooms in summer (mother rosette dies after flowering, replaced by chicks)
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-8 | Frost tolerant to -20°C
- Foliage: Thick, fleshy, pointed leaves in tight symmetrical rosettes
- Spread: Forms clumps 20-30cm wide over time
- Height: 5-8cm tall rosettes

Perfect Growing Conditions for Australian Climates

Sunlight Requirements:
Sempervivum LOVES full sun and needs it to develop vibrant red coloration:
- Best: 6+ hours direct sunlight daily
- Good: Morning sun with light afternoon shade in hot climates
- Avoid: Full shade produces green, elongated rosettes

Australian climate guide:
- Sydney/Melbourne/Adelaide/Canberra: Full sun, perfect in all seasons
- Brisbane/Tropical QLD: Partial shade in summer to prevent sunburn
- Perth: Full sun, ideal for hot dry summers
- Tasmania: Full sun, exceptional winter hardiness

Watering Guide:
Unlike tropical succulents, Sempervivum prefers cooler, moister conditions:
- Spring/Summer: Water when soil dries out, typically weekly in pots
- Autumn/Winter: Reduce to every 2-3 weeks; increase in dry Melbourne/Adelaide winters
- Established plants: Minimal watering needed; survives on rainfall alone
- Avoid: Waterlogged soil causes root rot; ensure excellent drainage

Best Soil Mix:
- Well-draining succulent/cactus mix OR
- 50% potting mix + 50% coarse sand/perlite/pumice
- Add fine gravel mulch around rosettes to prevent rot
- pH 6.0-7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Temperature & Climate:
- Ideal range: 5-25°C
- Summer heat: Tolerates up to 35°C with adequate water
- Winter cold: Thrives in frost, dormant below 10°C
- Cold requirement: Actually NEEDS winter chill for best performance

This Plant comes in a 130mm diameter container and the plant you see is the plant you get. The plant will be shipped bare rooted.

Want your succulent with a pot?

We usually ship bare root for freshness and to keep costs low, but we’re happy to pot your plant on request!

Start Your Sempervivum Collection Today

At just $5.90, this hardy red Sempervivum offers incredible value and years of enjoyment. Whether you're creating an alpine garden, adding to a succulent collection, or starting your first rock garden, this frost-hardy beauty will reward you with vibrant color, easy care, and endless propagation opportunities.

Order now and discover why Sempervivum has been treasured for centuries as one of the world's toughest and most beautiful succulents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sempervivum (Hen and Chicks)

Do I need to fertilize Sempervivum?
Minimal fertilizing needed. Apply diluted succulent fertilizer once monthly during spring/summer only. 

Can I grow Sempervivum on my roof like in Europe?
Yes! Sempervivum has been traditionally grown on roofs for centuries (hence the species name "tectorum" meaning "of roofs"). 

What pests or diseases affect Sempervivum?
Sempervivum is remarkably pest and disease resistant. 

How big will my Sempervivum get?
Individual rosettes: 5-10cm diameter. Mature clusters: 20-30cm wide. Height: 5-8cm tall rosettes. Flower stalks when blooming: 15-25cm tall. Sempervivum stays compact and low-growing.

Can I mix different Sempervivum varieties together?
Absolutely! Mixing varieties creates stunning displays with varied colors and textures.

Just click here to make your request.

Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.                    View Shipping options