Common Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)

Common Houseleek

(Sempervivum tectorum)

Common Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)

Amante Darmanin

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Amante Darmanin

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Amante Darmanin | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: amantedar | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Sempervivum tectorum, commonly known as Common Houseleek, is an evergreen succulent plant primarily native to the mountainous regions of Western and Central Europe. It thrives in rocky, mountainous habitats, and is often found in crevices and well-drained slopes. This species typically grows to 15 cm (6 in) tall and 50 cm (20 in) broad, forming dense rosettes of fleshy leaves that spread by producing offsets. During the summer, it produces clusters of reddish-purple flowers, each cluster containing 8-16 flowers, on erect, hairy, flat-topped stems. The flowers are showy and attract pollinators. Common Houseleek is known for its hardiness and the ease with which it can be propagated, leading to the development of numerous cultivars over nearly two centuries.

Common Houseleek is appreciated for its drought tolerance and is often used as ground cover in rock gardens, green roofs, and as a container plant. Its succulent leaves and ability to withstand dry conditions make it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It is also traditionally believed to protect buildings from lightning strikes, a superstition dating back to Roman times. The plant has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its value in cultivation. It requires full sun exposure and well-drained soil, tolerating a range of soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. While generally disease-free, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Succulents
Height: 0.5-1 feet
Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Very Low, Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the mountains of Southern Europe, particularly the Alps, Apennines, and Carpathians

Other Names

Common Names: Hen-And-Chickens , Almindelig Husløg , Dach-Hauswurz , Joubarbe Des Toits , Donderblad , Taklök , Äkta Taklök , Dachwurz

Scientific Names: Sempervivum tectorum , Sempervivum montanum , Sempervivum minutum , Sempervivum royanum , Sempervivum tectorum subsp. alpinum , Sempervivum boutignyanum , Sempervivum vellavum , Sempervivum alpinum , Sempervivum tectorum var. alpinum , Sempervivum cebennense

GBIF Accepted Name: Sempervivum tectorum L.