Sempervivum Red Beauty

Hens And Chicks, Live Forever, Houseleek

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

Strong growing rosettes are tipped in red

Gray-green foliage of open rosettes are tipped deep red. Will spread slowly to form a thick mat. Tiny new plants appear around the mother in the middle. Red Beauty produces short spikes of pink flowers mid summer. Excellent for rock gardens and containers.

Once, every grandchild received a start of this plant from their grandmother. Rosettes of leaves (the hens) send out many offsets (the chicks) which can be pulled off and transplanted. Prefers sun in almost any soil. Unusual flowers spikes are produced eventually. A resurgence of interest has Sempervivums used in living wreaths, spilling out of clay pots, old tea kettles, and even retired work boots.

Code SERB

Patent

Plant Type Perennials

Species

Height Short 3"

Spacing Plant 12" apart

Bloom Time Early Fall to Late Fall

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Zones 4-9

Soil Type Normal, Sandy, Clay

Water Needs Low

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • Evergreen
  • Rabbit Resistant
  • Hot Dry Site Tolerant
  • OK in Containers

Sempervivum General Information

Sempervivum are used in living wreaths, spilling out of clay pots, old tea kettles and even old retired work boots. Extremely easy to grow in hot sunny spots, spreading to fill in nicely. The common name Hens and Chicks alludes to the fact that there is always a mother (hen) that produces babies (chicks). Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Sempervivum Plant Care

Very drought tolerant once established. No special care required. Prefers sandy or gravelly soils in full sun. May need to avoid or amend clay soils. Good winter drainage is important. May benefit from gravel mulch. Offset rosettes will be formed around parent plant. These can be removed once rooted and transplanted elsewhere.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zones 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zones 8, 9 10: Early April

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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