Sempervivum 'Black' has large, flattish rosettes of bright green tongue-like leaves that are heavily overlaid with dark purple to black on their outer 2/3’s. This succulent perennial, commonly called Hen & Chicks, is evergreen and can form dense mats. Its main rosette (hen) sets off lots of small side rosettes (chicks) that surround it. The main rosette elongates upward in summer and produces flower clusters that are usually pink or white. After flowering, the central rosette dies to make room for the offsets. Sempervivum 'Black is particularly stunning!
Also known as Houseleeks, this plant is great in containers, tucked in crevices, between stepping stones, or used in the rock garden.
It is a favorite plant for children who like to pull off the side rosettes to plant. These will usually readily set roots providing a sense of accomplishment for beginning gardens. Sempervivum plants will also hold their form for a long while out of the soil, making them fun for use as unusual decorations.
Sempervivum 'Black' prefers sun to light shade and poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained soil. It is drought tolerant, very hardy, and easy to grow.
