Hen and Chicks Sempervivum calcareum 'Sir William Lawrence'
ABOUT
The Sempervivum calcareum 'Sir William Lawrence', commonly known as Hen and Chicks or Houseleek, showcases a rosette structure, which is a circular arrangement of leaves. Each rosette is composed of thick, fleshy leaves that serve to store water. These leaves are pointed at the tips and have a somewhat triangular shape with a base that is broader and attaches directly to the plant's center. The color of the leaves of 'Sir William Lawrence' is quite striking—the base is typically a deep, rich green which can sometimes appear to have a blueish hue. In contrast, the tips of the leaves are often a contrasting reddish-purple, which makes the plant quite eye-catching. Depending on the season and exposure to sunlight, the intensity of these colors may change, with the tips becoming more vivid in response to stressors such as cold or drought. This variety of Hen and Chicks produces offsets at the base of the parent rosette. These offsets are smaller rosettes that emerge on stolons, which are stem-like structures. Over time, these offsets can form a dense mat of rosettes, creating an attractive and textured colony that spreads outwards from the original plant. During the flowering period, 'Sir William Lawrence' sends up a flower stalk from the center of the rosette. The flowers typically have a star-shaped form and can be pink, red, or sometimes yellow. The overall appeal of this plant is its structured geometry and contrasting colors, as well as its tendency to create picturesque clusters of succulent rosettes. The plant is often used in rock gardens, succulent containers, or as ground cover due to its spreading habit and resilience. Hen and Chicks is a favorite among gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants that provide year-round visual interest without requiring frequent care or watering.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Houseleek, Hen and Chicks, Liveforever
Common names
Sempervivum calcareum 'Sir William Lawrence'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Sempervivum calcareum 'Sir William Lawrence' is Houseleek. Houseleeks are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They do not typically cause poisoning when ingested, and there are no well-documented cases or notable symptoms of toxicity from consuming parts of this plant. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential pesticides or other chemicals they may have been treated with.
To pets
The common name for Sempervivum calcareum 'Sir William Lawrence' is Houseleek. Houseleeks are not known to be toxic to pets. They are generally considered safe for animals, and there are no reported cases of toxicity from pets ingesting this plant. However, as with humans, it is best to prevent pets from consuming ornamental plants to avoid the ingestion of any potential pesticides or non-plant materials that could be harmful.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.3 feet (10 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Sempervivum calcareum 'Sir William Lawrence', commonly known as Hens and Chicks, is low-maintenance and easy to cultivate, making it ideal for beginners.
- Drought-tolerant: As a succulent, Hens and Chicks can survive in dry conditions with minimal water, perfect for water-conservation gardening.
- Cold-hardy: This plant is resistant to cold temperatures, allowing it to thrive in a variety of climates and endure frost.
- Adaptable: It can grow in rocky or poor soil, making it suitable for difficult garden spots where other plants might struggle.
- Propagation: Hens and Chicks prolifically produces offsets, making it easy to propagate and expand your garden or share with others.
- Year-round interest: With evergreen foliage, Hens and Chicks provides visual interest throughout all seasons.
- Ground cover: Its mat-forming habit makes it an excellent ground cover, suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of Hens and Chicks attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Architectural interest: The rosette shape adds a structural element to garden designs or container arrangements.
- Versatile: It can be used in rock gardens, alpine gardens, containers, green roofs, or as houseplants, providing aesthetic flexibility.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sempervivum calcareum 'Sir William Lawrence', commonly known as Houseleek, can be used as a protective charm when grown on rooftops, traditionally believed to ward off lightning and fire.
- Houseleek leaves can be used to coagulate milk in cheese-making processes as a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet.
- The juice extracted from the leaves of Houseleek can be used as a natural green dye in craft projects, imparting a subtle color to fabrics and papers.
- When planted in crevices of garden walls or walkways, Houseleek can stabilize the soil and prevent erosion with its dense root system.
- Houseleek, due to its succulent nature, can be used in living sculptures or artwork, as it can survive with minimal soil and infrequent watering.
- Dried Houseleek plants can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a touch of greenery and to leverage their interesting texture.
- The geometric patterns of Houseleek rosettes can be used in mathematical or geometry education as a natural example of fractals and symmetry in nature.
- In cold climates, growing Houseleek in outdoor containers can provide winter interest, as they maintain their form and color even in snow.
- Houseleek can also be used in creating 'green' pet habitats, such as terrariums for reptiles, providing a safe and natural living environment.
- Growing Houseleek may help to create micro-habitats for small beneficial insects, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.
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- Endurance and Resilience: The common name of Sempervivum calcareum 'Sir William Lawrence' is "hen and chicks," which comes from its ability to survive in harsh conditions and the way it propagates by producing numerous offsets, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive despite challenges.
- Protection: Hen and chicks have been traditionally used on rooftops in Europe to ward off lightning and fire, representing a symbol of safeguarding and protection against external harm.
- Eternal Love: The perennial nature of this plant, with its evergreen leaves and long-lasting form, symbolizes eternal love that persists through time and season.
- Self-Sufficiency: As a succulent, hen and chicks are able to store water and sustain itself for long periods, representing autonomy and the ability to rely on oneself.
WaterThe Hen and Chicks should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural arid conditions. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant every 7-10 days, allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings. When watering, provide enough water to soak the soil to a depth of at least an inch. During winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, depending on the humidity levels. Always avoid waterlogged conditions as this could cause root rot.
LightHen and Chicks thrive in full sun to light shade. The best spot for this plant is an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in the hottest part of the day in very warm climates. Ensure the plant is not shaded by taller plants or structures to prevent etiolation.
TemperatureHen and Chicks prefer a temperature range between 65°F and 75°F but are remarkably frost-tolerant and can survive temperatures down to -20°F. They can also endure high temperatures if they are not subjected to excessive humidity. To ensure optimal growth, preventing prolonged exposure to temperatures above 85°F is advisable.
PruningHen and Chicks do not require regular pruning but may benefit from the removal of dead or damaged leaves. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the year to maintain the plant's appearance. The best time for pruning is in spring or early summer to give the plant time to recover during its active growing season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hen and Chicks is a well-draining mixture with equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 6.8.
RepottingHen and Chicks should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure the soil remains fertile and well-draining, or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingHen and Chicks prefer dry conditions and do well in average room humidity levels; avoid high humidity environments for optimal health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, minimal water, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-drained area, tolerates cold.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Sempervivum calcareum 'Sir William Lawrence', commonly known as houseleek, begins with seed germination, which occurs when conditions are warm and moist. After germination, the seedling establishes itself and grows into a rosette of succulent leaves, which is the vegetative stage of the plant. As it matures, the houseleek may produce offsets or "pups," which are clones of the parent plant, contributing to its spread. Houseleeks are monocarpic, meaning that each rosette flowers once in its lifetime, usually after several years; the flowering stage involves producing a tall stalk with star-shaped flowers. After flowering, the individual rosette that bloomed will die, leaving behind its offsets to continue the population. The cycle is completed when the seeds from the flowers are dispersed to grow new plants or when the offsets develop into mature rosettes that will eventually flower and die, perpetuating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Sempervivum calcareum 'Sir William Lawrence', commonly known as Hen and Chicks, is through offsets. These are small, rosette-shaped plants that form at the base of the parent plant. To propagate, wait until the offset has developed a few leaves and has a small root system, typically this is best done in late spring or early summer. Gently twist the offset from the mother plant, ensuring it has some roots attached. Allow the offset to dry for a day or two to form a callus on the cut surface to prevent rotting. Then, plant the offset in well-draining soil, barely covering the roots, and water sparingly until it establishes a stronger root system. This method utilizes the plant's natural ability to produce clones of itself, resulting in quick and successful propagation.
