Hen and Chicks Sempervivum 'Jubilee'
ABOUT
Sempervivum 'Jubilee', commonly known as Hens and Chicks, has a distinctive and attractive appearance that draws much attention to rock gardens and succulent collections. This plant forms tight clusters of rosettes with leaves that have a symmetrical and radial arrangement. The foliage of 'Jubilee' tends to be thick and fleshy, which is a characteristic adaptation of succulents, enabling them to store water. The leaves themselves are a mix of deep greens and may have shades of red or burgundy, particularly at the tips or when the plant is stressed by cool temperatures or drought. Given its hardy nature, the coloration of Sempervivum 'Jubilee' can change and intensify with varying environmental conditions. The rosettes resemble a whirl of spiky petals, sometimes tipped with fine hairs giving them a slightly fuzzy appearance. During the flowering period, 'Jubilee' can produce tall bloom stalks topped with star-shaped flowers. The flowers are typically pink or reddish and add an extra visual interest to the plant profile. However, after flowering, the mother rosette which produced the bloom usually dies, making way for the offsets or 'chicks' to continue growing and filling in space around the original 'hen'. Sempervivum 'Jubilee' is a perennial and will sustain its presence through self-propagation, steadily creating a ground cover of overlapping rosettes. Its striking geometry and robust coloration make it a popular choice for gardeners and enthusiasts of drought-tolerant plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Hen And Chicks, Houseleek, Liveforever
Common names
Sempervivum 'Jubilee'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum 'Jubilee') is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects from ingesting this plant. However, it is generally not recommended to consume any plant material that is not recognized as food, as it could cause an upset stomach or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Hen and Chicks plant (Sempervivum 'Jubilee') is generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning or serious side effects if ingested by animals such as cats or dogs. As with humans, while the plant is not toxic, consumption of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other minor issues in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Sempervivum 'Jubilee', commonly known as hens and chicks, requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Adapted to survive with little water, it's perfect for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Cold Hardy: This plant can tolerate cold temperatures, suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: Hens and chicks can attract bees and butterflies, aiding in local ecosystem pollination.
- Evergreen Groundcover: Providing year-round green coverage, it can enhance the aesthetic of garden spaces throughout the seasons.
- Easy Propagation: The plant reproduces easily, providing plenty of offspring (chicks) for expansion or sharing with others.
- Soil Erosion Prevention: Its root system helps stabilize soil, reducing the risk of erosion on slopes or in rocky gardens.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for rock gardens, containers, walls, and roofs, it offers versatile uses in various landscape designs.
- Long Lifespan: Hens and chicks have a prolonged life cycle, ensuring a lasting presence in gardens.
- Architectural Interest: With its unique rosette shapes and colors, it adds a visually appealing, architectural element to garden compositions.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Sempervivum, also known as Houseleek, contains compounds that may reduce inflammation when applied topically.
- Astringent: The juice of the Houseleek leaves has been used traditionally as an astringent to tighten the skin and reduce pore size.
- Antimicrobial: Some sources suggest that Houseleek possesses antimicrobial properties, making it potentially useful for preventing or treating skin infections.
- Wound healing: There is some historical usage of Houseleek for promoting the healing of minor cuts, burns, and skin irritations.
- Emollient: Houseleek can be used topically to soften and soothe the skin, potentially benefiting dry or chapped skin conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sempervivum 'Jubilee', commonly known as the Hens and Chicks plant, can be used as a natural roofing material in green roofs for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements.
- The Hens and Chicks plant is often utilized in living wall designs, providing texture and variety as it thrives vertically with minimal soil.
- Due to its succulent nature and attractive rosettes, Sempervivum 'Jubilee' is popular in crafting fairy gardens, offering a miniature, whimsical landscape.
- Sempervivum 'Jubilee' acts as an excellent ground cover, preventing soil erosion on slopes thanks to its mat-forming growth habit.
- With its ability to propagate easily, the Hens and Chicks plant can be used in sidewalk crack gardens, creating green spaces in unexpected urban places.
- Hens and Chicks are sometimes employed in educational projects, teaching children about plant propagation and the life cycle of succulents.
- These plants are chosen for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- Sempervivum 'Jubilee' can be used as a natural dye source, with the use of its leaves to produce varying shades of green and yellow dyes for fabrics.
- The Hens and Chicks plant also serves as a heat sink in smaller outdoor electronic projects, possibly helping to regulate temperature due to its succulent leaves' moisture content.
- They are used in permaculture designs as part of a guild to create a self-sustaining ecosystem with varied interdependent plant species.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hen and Chicks plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hen and Chicks plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Timelessness: Sempervivum 'Jubilee', commonly known as "Hens and Chicks," represents longevity due to its ability to survive in harsh conditions and live for many years.
- Protection: Historically, these plants were believed to protect against lightning strikes when grown on roofs, symbolizing a shield against negative forces.
- Self-Sufficiency and Independence: Hens and Chicks can propagate themselves, as the 'chicks' grow independently around the 'hen', symbolizing the ability to thrive autonomously.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Their capacity to withstand drought and poor soil reflects attributes of resilience and adaptability.
- Eternal Love: The perennial nature of Sempervivum and its enduring presence year after year can symbolize undying affection and love.
WaterHens and Chicks should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Typically, this means watering about once every 7 to 14 days during the active growing season, depending on the climate and weather conditions. When watering, it’s best to provide enough water to soak the soil to the root level, which may be around 0.25 to 0.5 gallons for a standard pot. During winter months or when the plant is dormant, reduce watering frequency further. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.
LightHens and Chicks thrive in bright, direct sunlight and should be placed in a location where they can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. The ideal spot for this plant is a south-facing window or an outdoor garden space with full sun exposure. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hottest part of the day, but the more light they get, the better their color and form will be.
TemperatureHens and Chicks are very cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for many climates. They can survive high temperatures as well, but prefer cooler conditions and thrive best in temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure they're not exposed to extreme heat without adequate airflow or shade during the hottest part of the day.
PruningHens and Chicks generally do not require regular pruning. However, you may remove dead or damaged leaves as necessary to maintain the plant's appearance. After the plant flowers, the main rosette, known as the hen, will die and should be carefully removed to allow the surrounding chicks to fill in the space. The best time for pruning is in the spring or as soon as you notice any dead or unsightly foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHen and chicks prefer a well-draining soil mix composed of one part potting soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part compost. The best soil pH for Hen and chicks is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingHen and chicks should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide space for growth. They can also be repotted when you notice the pot is overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingHen and chicks are drought-tolerant and prefer low humidity levels, similar to their native habitats. Indoor humidity around 40% to 60% is suitable for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place hen and chicks in a sunny spot and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant hen and chicks in full sun with well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleSempervivum 'Jubilee', commonly known as Houseleek, begins its life as a seed that sprouts in spring to early summer when conditions are favorable. The seedlings develop rosettes of succulent leaves, which grow gradually, storing water to survive dry periods. These rosettes reach maturity in one to three years, at which point they can produce offsets, small clones that grow around the base of the mother plant, spreading vegetatively. Mature Houseleeks will typically flower once in their lifetime, usually in the summer months, sending up a tall flower stalk with star-shaped flowers, after which, the flowering rosette dies, a process known as monocarpic senescence. However, by this time, numerous offsets may have already formed and taken root to continue the life cycle. The offset rosettes will eventually mature and repeat the cycle, ensuring the survival of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Sempervivum 'Jubilee', commonly known as Hen and Chicks, can be propagated most popularly by offsets. These are small rosettes that the parent plant produces around its base. When these offsets are a few inches in size, they can be gently twisted off and planted directly into well-draining soil, allowing them to establish their own root systems. It is generally best to perform this type of propagation in the spring or early summer, as the actively growing season gives the young plants the best chance of successful rooting and growth. Ensure the soil is barely moist but not waterlogged, and place the offsets in a bright area without direct harsh sunlight to avoid scorching the delicate young plants.
