Product Description
Sempervivum 'Pilioseum'
Common Name: Houseleeks, Hens and Chicks.
'Pilioseum' forms medium to large rosettes of grey-green leaves. This color may vary from season to season. These rosettes have a rounded, semi-loose form.
Sempervivum is comprised of one large rosette called the "hen" which sprouts many smaller rosettes around it called "chicks". As the plants age, the "hen" may die out and be replaced by the "chicks". Plants can be divided easily at any time by pulling up some of the "chicks" and replanting them elsewhere.
This plant is particularly effective when planted in the cracks and crevices of stone walls or walkways. It is also very attractive in containers. The name Sempervivum means "live forever".
Sempervivum is the perfect plant for hot, dry, sunny locations with very well-drained soil. Though they can adapt to a variety of soil types, they perform best in gritty soil. If a groundcover effect is desired, space plants close together because they grow slowly.
Height: 3.0-4.0 Inches
Spread: 6.0-8.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shade
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Slow
Border Plant, Container, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Ground Cover, Salt Tolerant, Small, Miniature
Sempervivum 'Pilioseum' is a charming and resilient succulent known for its unique appearance and ease of care. Here is a closer look at what makes it special:
Appearance:
- Rosettes: Forms compact rosettes of fleshy leaves. The leaves are typically a grayish-green color, often with a slightly fuzzy or hairy texture, especially when new. This "pilosity" is where the name 'Pilioseum' comes from.
- Size: Generally, grows to about 3-4 inches in diameter, forming a dense mat or clump over time.
- Flowers: Produces small, star-shaped flowers on short stalks that emerge from the center of the rosette. The flowers are usually pink or reddish. As with most Sempervivums, the rosette that flowers will die back, but it will have produced offsets ("chicks") to continue the colony.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) to thrive and maintain its compact form. It can tolerate some light shade, but the color may be less intense.
- Soil: Requires well-drained soil. Soggy soil is a death sentence for Sempervivums, as it leads to root rot. A gritty or sandy soil mix is ideal.
- Water: Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering 1 is the most common mistake.
- Hardiness Zones: Typically, hardy in USDA zones 3-10, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
- Temperature: Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including frost.
Benefits:
- Unique Texture: The slightly fuzzy or hairy leaves add an interesting textural element to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Exceptionally easy to care for, requiring minimal attention.
- Drought Tolerant: Perfect for dry gardens, rock gardens, or areas with limited water.
- Deer Resistant: Generally not a favorite of deer.
- Versatile: Can be grown in the ground, in containers, or even in crevices in rocks or walls.
- Propagation: Easily propagated by separating the offsets (chicks) from the mother plant.
Care Tips:
- Planting: Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space plants about 4-6 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Watering: Water sparingly, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilizing: Usually does not require fertilization.
- Repotting (for containers): Repot only when necessary, as Sempervivums prefer to be somewhat root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Propagation: Gently remove offsets (chicks) from the mother plant and plant them in well-drained soil.
Sempervivum 'Pilioseum' is a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, visually interesting succulent. Its unique texture and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
