Houseleek

Houseleek, Hens and chicks (Sempervivum) - Succulent rock and alpine plants, of which the common Houseleek (S. tectorum), often seen on old roofs and walls, is the most familiar. There is a strong family likeness throughout, and they form rosette-like tufts of fleshy leaves, which chiefly differ in the color of the foliage, some deep red, others pale green. The flowers of most of them are of a reddish tinge, and several are yellow. All the hardy kinds will grow well in dry sandy parts of the rock garden where few other alpines thrive, or on old walls, ruins, and the like, merely requiring to be placed in chinks with a little soil. Most of them thrive on any border, if the soil be not too stiff and damp, but they prefer a dry, elevated position and full exposure to the sun. Nearly all are easily increased by their abundant offsets. Of late years some of the larger kinds, such as S. calcareum, have been used for beds. Europe and W. Asia.

Houseleek Pictures

Sempervivum tectorum L. common houseleek

Related Flowers

Cobweb Houseleek

Cobweb Houseleek (Sempervivum Arachnoideum) - One of the most singular of alpine plants, with tiny rosettes of fleshy leaves covered at the top with a thick white down, which intertwines itself all over the leaves like a spiders web. Invaluable for sunny wall gardens and the hottest and driest of rock garden chinks, where their true character is revealed. They are also most effective in colonies, and should be freely planted in vertical or horizontal positions between rocks, where few plants can exist. Admirable for pots on a sunny window-sill, caring nothing for weeks of inattention. Apart from the type gnaphalioides, Hookeri and tomentosum are the most ornamental and distinct. All are perfectly hardy. Stiffish loam and old mortar rubble suits them well.

Sand Houseleek

Sand Houseleek (Sempervivum Arenarium) - Grown in dense patches, this plant has a lovely effect. It is much smaller than its ally S. globiferum, and, unlike the latter species, the leaves of the rosettes are not incurved. The flowers are small, yellow, pretty, and the leaves usually rich crimson. S. Heufelli, a similar species, has in autumn almost chocolate-crimson foliage, the flowers being yellow. Other species of similar character are S. hirtum, S. Neilreichi, and S. soboliferum, which is often confused with S. globiferum.

Glaucous Houseleek

Glaucous Houseleek (Sempervivum Calcareum) - No finer Houseleek has ever been introduced than this, often misnamed S. californicum. It is as easily grown and as hardy as the common Houseleek, and thrives in any soil. Planted singly, its rosettes are sometimes nearly 5 inches across, the leaves glaucous, and tipped at the points with chocolate. It is deservedly popular for edgings in the flower garden, and also admirable for the rock garden. Other cultivated kinds are S. glaucum, S. Camollei, S. Lamottei, S. Verloti, and S. juratense, and these are all desirable for a full collection.

Fringed Houseleek

Fringed Houseleek (Sempervivum Fimbriatum) - One of the most profusely blooming kinds, the dark rose-colored flowers appearing in summer on stems 6 to 10 inches high. The leaves, which are in small rosettes, are smooth on both sides, strongly fringed, and terminate in a long point, being marked at the end with a large purple spot. S. Funcki, S. Powelli, S. barbatulum, S. atlanticum, and S. piliferum are similar.

Hen-and-chicken Houseleek

Hen-and-chicken Houseleek (Sempervivum Globiferum) - This grows in firm dense tufts, its little round offsets being so abundantly thrown off that they are pushed clear above the tufts, and lie on the surface in small brownish-green balls. The small leaves of the young rosettes all turn inward, and appear of a purplish color, but in the full-grown rosettes are light green, the tips of the under side being of a decided chocolate-brown for nearly one-third of their length; the flowers are small and yellow.

Mountain Houseleek

Mountain Houseleek (Sempervivum Montanum) - A dark green kind, smaller than the common Houseleek, the leaves forming neat rosettes, from which spring dull rosy flowers in summer. It is suitable for edgings or for the rock garden, grows in any soil, and is easily propagated. Alps. S. assimile and S. flagelliforme are similar.

Common Houseleek

Common Houseleek (Sempervivum Tectorum) - Though a native of rocky places in the great mountain ranges of Europe and Asia, the common Houseleek, having been cultivated from time immemorial on housetops and on old walls, is well known to everybody. It may be used in flower gardening, but it would be better to select some of the rarer species for edgings and other purposes.

Sempervivum Triste

Sempervivum Triste - Distinct from other Houseleeks, as its rosettes of leaves are of a deep dull red, which makes it a handsome plant. It is about the size of S. tectorum, and in light warm soil is quite as vigorous and rapid a grower. Its singular color makes it a valuable contrast to other plants, but at present it is not much known. S. rubicundum, of deep crimson hue, is also worth a place.