How to Grow and Care for Common houseleek

Common houseleek, also known as Roof houseleek, Hen and chicks, Old man and woman, Jupiter's beard, Sengreen, Liveforever, Thunder-plant

Common houseleek thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun exposure to flourish, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens or as container plants. Special care points for common houseleek include avoiding waterlogged conditions and being vigilant about frost, as they need protection during extreme cold. Regular watering during the growing season is essential, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Watering schedule: Every 3 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Common houseleek

Toughness	Medium
Care Level	High
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 3 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	3-9

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Varieties of Common houseleek

Common houseleek 'Red Beauty'

Common houseleek 'Red Beauty' is a hardy succulent with red-tipped, green rosettes. It has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The name 'Sempervivum' means 'always alive', referring to its ability to survive in difficult conditions without water.

Common houseleek 'Red Rubin'

Common houseleek 'Red Rubin' is a hardy succulent with stunning maroon leaves. It thrives in hot, dry locations on rocky outcrops or walls. Its leaves have a rosette shape and are covered in fine hairs which can trap dew or water droplets, giving it the nickname 'live-forever'.

Common houseleek 'Chocolate Kiss'

Common houseleek 'Chocolate Kiss' is named for its burgundy-brown color. It also grows hot-pink flowers. This cultivar is part of the Chick Charms collection by breeder Chris Hansen. This variety is used in containers and gardens due to its unique color, pairing well with other varieties of this plant.

Common Pests & Diseases

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More General Info About Common houseleek

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Quickly Identify Common houseleek

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Common houseleek is characterized by its rosette-shaped clusters of succulent leaves that can span up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and typically green with reddish tips, displaying a pointed and slightly curved form. They grow in a tightly packed spiral pattern conferring the plant a geometric, sculptural aspect. During summer, common houseleek produces star-shaped flowers on stalks rising above the foliage, although the foliage itself is the main feature for identification.