Sempervivum, Hens and ChicksSempervivum have been known for centuries as hens and chicks, and houseleeks. Ancient lore tells of using Sempervivum to repel evil spirits and protect homes from Thor, the god of thunder and lightening. The villagers of days gone by would plant Sempervivum on the roofs of their cottages as protection against fire caused by lightening strikes. Not sure if it worked, but it probably looked nice! Nowadays, we use these great drought smart plants to beautify our xeric gardens, make living succulent wreaths or mosaics, and plant in containers for patio and dooryards. Used as iron tough ground covers for perennial beds, accents in rock gardens, or grown in trough gardens, these indispensable plants are becoming popular again. Collectors can choose from huge specimens that can reach over 15cm across, or tiny spider web types with rosettes only one centimeter in diameter. There are many species, and many selected varieties of those, to make an extensive list to choose from. No matter which kind you choose, you can't go wrong!
Sizes vary, but if known are indicated in ( ).
More to follow in 2010! Growth HabitThe rosettes are formed in a spiral pattern, with each new set of leaves making a new circle in the center of the plant. Once the rosette gets big enough, baby chicks form at the base and emerge on stolons to root into the surrounding soil. The stolons eventually become brittle and rot away, leaving a clutch of 'chicks' around the 'hen'.Eventually, the hen will bloom, after which it dies, leaving a gap to be filled in with the chicks as they grow. A sizable cluster of rosettes will result as each successive generation spreads wider afield. UsesCombining many different types and sizes of Sempervivum gives the look of an ever changing patchwork quilt. Group them in clusters and allow them to combine to show off the textures and colours as a groundcover, or planted among rocks.In time, they'll fill in a pot or container to spill over the edge, sometimes dropping off and rooting into the ground below. Easy to grow, easy to move, just pull gently until the rosette tears away and plug it into the next empty spot in your xeric garden. 
PricesPrice of Sempervivum in my collection of over seventy varieties $4.00 per 2" pot, or bare root. Please indicate size you would prefer - small, medium or large. I'll choose some nice mid sized rosettes that will form chicks, not go directly into flowering (as they die after blooming!) All are hardy to Zone 5a.The rare and unusual Jovibarba are similar in appearance and culture to Sempervivum, but have some different and unique characteristics.
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