Sempervivum 'Oddity'

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 3-9, 2-4" x 6-12", sun to part sun (perhaps even light shade if dry), flowers are light pink sturdy stalks originating from the oldest rosettes in early to mid summer, the leaves of this variety are curled and have red tips as the season cools

Common names: Hens and Chicks, Houseleeks

Family: Crassulaceae

Origin/Distribution: Europe and Turkey

Habitat: alpine, mountainous, rocky, well-drained, scree

More: Excellent for sunny, well-drained borders, rock gardens, at the edges of hardscaping, and in pots. Hardy succulents can withstand temperatures to -20. They are happy dormant and covered with snow. However, in winters with fluctuating temperatures and lots of winter wet, they have trouble coping. Drainage, and being allowed to dry out before getting wet again, are keys to happiness. Sempervivums are monocarpic. This means that after they make their unusual and quite beautiful flower stalks, the mother plant will die. However, the small offsets surrounding the larger, central rosettes, the "chicks" of the common name, Hens and Chicks, will grow on.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Van Berkum Nursery