Sempervivum calcareum ‘Mrs Giuseppi’ (Hens and Chicks)

Sempervivum calcareum ‘Mrs Giuseppi’ (Hens and Chicks) is a mat-forming succulent perennial with large, evergreen rosettes, up to 4 in. wide (10 cm), densely packed with fleshy, sharply pointed, pale green leaves, adorned with burgundy-red tips. The mother rosette (Hen) spreads in all directions by horizontal stems to form offsets (chicks). Each offset will develop roots of its own and become independent of the parent plant as the connecting stolon withers. In summer, a thick flowering stalk arises from the center of the hen rosette and bears showy starry, pale pink flowers. Sempervivums are monocarpic: they die after flowering. However, the offsets they produce usually make up for the losses and fill the gaps left by the dead rosettes.

• Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). Will spread by offsets to form colonies
• Easily grown in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil with added grit in full sun to light shade. Excellent drainage is required. Protect from excessive winter wet. Drought tolerant.
• Surprisingly cold hardy, Sempervivums need little maintenance once established, like many cacti and succulents, and will survive near total neglect.
• Excellent for dry stony places, Sempervivums are great in cracks in dry stone walls, at the front of beds and borders, or as a small area groundcover. They look splendid in rock gardens, scree beds or troughs. Ideal as edging plant or in decorative trough and containers. Best when planted in groups or intermingled in mosaics.
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for rust, vine weevil.
• Propagate by seed sown in spring (cultivars may not come true), or root offsets in spring.