Sempervivum 'Pacific Blue Ice'

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 3-8, 2-8" x 6-8", full sun, fleshy silver-blue leaves take on some pink tones in cooler weather, light pink blooms in mid-summer, happily provides numerous offsets, very drought tolerant, good drainage a must

Common names: Hens and Chicks, Houseleeks

Family: Crassulaceae

Origin/Distribution: mountainous and alpine terrain in Europe and Turkey

Habitat: rocky with impeccable drainage, good in rock gardens, dry and sunny borders, and containers. 

More: 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: Honey Petal Plants: potted plants of 'Pacific Blue Ice' with raindrops