Shop 'Sempervivum calcareum' Care and Growing Guide | Planet Desert

Skip to product info
A hand holds a green pot with Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulents, set among pale rocks, blurred green background.
A small green Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with pointed leaves in a black square pot filled with pebbles on wood.
A compact Sempervivum calcareum succulent with pointed green leaves in a black square pot filled with pebbles on a wooden surface.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with pointed green leaves in a black square pot of pebbles on white background.
Top-down view of a Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with green, red-tipped leaves, potted in soil and pebbles.
Top view of Sempervivum calcareum succulent, known as Hens and Chicks, in a small black pot with soil on a white background.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum succulent, known as Hens and Chicks, in a small black pot with pebbles on a wooden surface.
Close-up of a Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with pointed green leaves in a pebble-filled pot on wood.
A Sempervivum calcareum succulent with thick, green rosette leaves in a small black pot rests on a wooden surface.
Small green Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with pointed leaves in a black square pot on pebbles, placed on wood.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with pointed green leaves in a black square pot with pebbles on a white background.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum, or Hens and Chicks, featuring green rosettes with red-tipped leaves and water droplets.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) in a black square pot, with green leaves tipped in reddish-purple. Blurred flower behind.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) showing green rosettes with reddish tips and fuzzy leaves, blurred background.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum, showing green rosettes with reddish tips growing among small rocks in soil.
Close-up of a potted Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent, with green leaves tipped in red among beige and gray rocks.
A Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with spiky green rosettes in a pot among white rocks, outdoors with blurred plants behind.
Green potted Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with red-tipped leaves, ideal for home or garden décor.
Cluster of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with red-tipped leaves in a green plastic pot, accented by light rocks.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with green, red-tipped leaves in a pot, blurred trees and sky behind.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks), a green succulent with red-tipped spiky leaves in a gravel-filled round pot.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum succulent, green leaves with red tips in a rocky pot, sunlight highlighting its compact texture.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulents with small rosettes in a green plastic pot, outdoors with light rocks and greenery.
A hand holds a potted Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks), a vibrant succulent perennial with rosette-shaped leaves.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with green, red-edged leaves in a small brown pot on a white background.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with green and red-tipped leaves in a round reddish-brown plastic pot on white background.
Top-down view of Sempervivum calcareum succulent, showing green leaves with purple tips in a pot on a brown surface.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum succulent with green rosettes tipped in red, potted against a blurred garden and stone wall backdrop.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent in a pot with green leaves tipped red, set on brown surface by stone wall, vines behind.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with red-tipped leaves in a small brown plastic pot, placed on a brown surface by a stone wall.
A small terracotta pot with Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks), pointed green leaves, on a tan surface by a stone wall and vines.
Top view of Sempervivum calcareum succulent, displaying rosettes with pointed, red-edged leaves on a neutral brown background.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum succulent with reddish-purple-tipped leaves in a small brown pot, set against blurred greenery and stone.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks), a green succulent with red-tipped leaves in a small brown plastic pot on white background.
Sempervivum calcareum succulent (Hens and Chicks) with red-edged green leaves in a brown pot on a plain white background.
A hand holds a green pot with Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulents, set among pale rocks, blurred green background.
A small green Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with pointed leaves in a black square pot filled with pebbles on wood.
A compact Sempervivum calcareum succulent with pointed green leaves in a black square pot filled with pebbles on a wooden surface.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with pointed green leaves in a black square pot of pebbles on white background.
Top-down view of a Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with green, red-tipped leaves, potted in soil and pebbles.
Top view of Sempervivum calcareum succulent, known as Hens and Chicks, in a small black pot with soil on a white background.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum succulent, known as Hens and Chicks, in a small black pot with pebbles on a wooden surface.
Close-up of a Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with pointed green leaves in a pebble-filled pot on wood.
A Sempervivum calcareum succulent with thick, green rosette leaves in a small black pot rests on a wooden surface.
Small green Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with pointed leaves in a black square pot on pebbles, placed on wood.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with pointed green leaves in a black square pot with pebbles on a white background.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum, or Hens and Chicks, featuring green rosettes with red-tipped leaves and water droplets.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) in a black square pot, with green leaves tipped in reddish-purple. Blurred flower behind.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) showing green rosettes with reddish tips and fuzzy leaves, blurred background.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum, showing green rosettes with reddish tips growing among small rocks in soil.
Close-up of a potted Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent, with green leaves tipped in red among beige and gray rocks.
A Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with spiky green rosettes in a pot among white rocks, outdoors with blurred plants behind.
Green potted Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with red-tipped leaves, ideal for home or garden décor.
Cluster of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with red-tipped leaves in a green plastic pot, accented by light rocks.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with green, red-tipped leaves in a pot, blurred trees and sky behind.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks), a green succulent with red-tipped spiky leaves in a gravel-filled round pot.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum succulent, green leaves with red tips in a rocky pot, sunlight highlighting its compact texture.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulents with small rosettes in a green plastic pot, outdoors with light rocks and greenery.
A hand holds a potted Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks), a vibrant succulent perennial with rosette-shaped leaves.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent with green, red-edged leaves in a small brown pot on a white background.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with green and red-tipped leaves in a round reddish-brown plastic pot on white background.
Top-down view of Sempervivum calcareum succulent, showing green leaves with purple tips in a pot on a brown surface.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum succulent with green rosettes tipped in red, potted against a blurred garden and stone wall backdrop.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) succulent in a pot with green leaves tipped red, set on brown surface by stone wall, vines behind.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) with red-tipped leaves in a small brown plastic pot, placed on a brown surface by a stone wall.
A small terracotta pot with Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks), pointed green leaves, on a tan surface by a stone wall and vines.
Top view of Sempervivum calcareum succulent, displaying rosettes with pointed, red-edged leaves on a neutral brown background.
Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum succulent with reddish-purple-tipped leaves in a small brown pot, set against blurred greenery and stone.
Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks), a green succulent with red-tipped leaves in a small brown plastic pot on white background.
Sempervivum calcareum succulent (Hens and Chicks) with red-edged green leaves in a brown pot on a plain white background.

Introducing the Sempervivum calcareum, a stunning mat-forming succulent perennial variety of the Sempervivum tectorum, that belongs to the Hens and chicks Sempervivum genus.

Native to the mountainous regions of Southern Europe, particularly the Alps and the Pyrenees, the Sempervivum calcareum has several other common names such as lime houseleek, calcareous houseleek, or Sempervivum tectorum var. calcareum. The name "calcareum" refers to its preference for growing in limestone-rich soils. 

Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) in a pot, with green leaves tipped red, surrounded by beige rocks in sunlight.

Sempervivum calcareum forms beautiful densely packed evergreen rosettes of plump juicy leaves that are typically blue-green or pale green in color with flush red tips.

These sharply pointed leaves have a powdery coating called "farina" that provides protection against intense sunlight and helps retain moisture.

The rosettes, which can grow up to 4 inches wide, spread in all directions by horizontal stems, resulting in an attractive carpet-like appearance.

The Sempervivum calcareum flowers bloom during late spring or early summer with tall flower stalks that rise above the rosettes. The flowers can vary in color, ranging from shades of pink, red, or yellow. The blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding a touch of vibrancy to the Sempervivum plant. 

When it comes to Sempervivum calcareum care, it is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-drained soil with medium moisture.  They accept poor soil conditions and flourish in sandy or gravelly soils. Sufficient drainage is required. Plant this succulent in full sun exposure for the best health and growth. It thrives in rock gardens, where heat is reflected off the rocks. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, as it can cause root rot. 

This cold-hardy succulent can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5a to 8b, surviving temperatures as low as -20°F in winter, and thrives in indoor environments with temperatures between 60-85°F. During the winter months, protect it from excessive moisture to prevent damage. Fertilization is generally not necessary, as these plants are adapted to nutrient-poor conditions. 

Sempervivum calcareum can be propagated through offsets, which are small "baby" plants that grow around the base of the mother rosette. These offsets can be gently removed from the mother plant and replanted to establish new offsets or chicks. Additionally, it can be propagated through leaf cuttings or by sowing seeds. 

Additionally, the Sempervivum calcareum is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. These succulent plants are one of the finest options to gift. Be sure to add your Sempervivum calcareum to your collection today and elevate the beauty of your home or garden with this stunning-looking plant. 

Bloom Season

Late spring mid summer

Flower Color

Pale pink

Growth Rate

Slow

Hardiness Zone

5--6--7--8--9--10--11

Mature Size

4 in. tall--20 in. wide

Plant Type

Evergreen succulent

Resistance

Extremely drought-tolerant--deer resistance--rabbit resistant--frost tolerant

Sun Exposure

Full sun (6+ hrs.)--Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun)

Watering Needs

Low
Back To Plant Description Main Page

Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks)

sku: 3566

8 reviews
$ 5.49
/

Free Shipping on all orders over $89*

Size
Height:
Diameter:
Height:
Diameter:
Height:
Diameter:
Height:
Diameter:

Please note: All Landscape Ready plants that are in a 6-inch pot or larger WILL NOT come with a pot as it will be shipped bare root.

Please note: Our large plants are many years old, and as a result, they might have minor scaring but will arrive 100% healthy and looking great.

Please note: Our large plants are shipped bare root. They are also many years old, and as a result, they might have minor scaring but will arrive healthy and looking great.

Please note: All perennial drought tolerant plants 6 inch and larger plants will be shipped bare root. Before sending perennial plants, we often trim the leafy parts and remove flowers or buds. This helps them survive shipping and adjust to transplanting better.
Perennial plants shipped Mon - Wed only.

Please note: Perennial plants shipped Mon - Wed only.

sku:
Detailed description of this plant is below...
  • In stock, ready to ship
  • Inventory on the way
ADD A CUSTOM GREETING CARD +1$

We guarantee our premium plants will arrive happy and healthy. If not we will replace them for free.

What makes us different is the passion for highest quality plants and the attention to the detail on all we do here at Planet Desert. We are confident in the quality of our products. That’s why all our plants have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return the product and get a product refund or exchange the product for another one, be it similar or not. Shipping charges may apply.

You can return a product for up to 14 days from the date you purchased it. Please submit photos with your order number to info@planetdesert.com to initiate this request and receive next steps for processing. Shipping fees may apply.

Any product you return must be in the same condition you received it and in the original packaging. Please keep the receipt.

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER $69 in the Continental US.

Any plant that is 6" and larger that is not in our Houseplant category will be shipped bare root (without a pot).

What makes us different is the passion and the attention to detail in all we do here at Planet Desert. We are confident in the quality of our products. That’s why all our plants have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return the product and get a refund or exchange it for another one — similar or not. Shipping charges may apply.

You can return a product for up to 14 days from the date of purchase. Please submit photos with your order number to info@planetdesert.com to initiate your return. Shipping fees may apply.

  • First, lucky them! Second, in the cart — before checkout you’ll find an option to add a custom Greeting Card.
  • Click the Custom Greeting Card button to browse and select the design you like best. We have gift cards for most occasions.
  • After selecting your greeting card, scroll to the bottom of the cart. There you'll see a dropdown labeled Add a note to your order.
  • Use that note box to enter the message you’d like us to include with your gift. We’ll make sure it’s printed and packed with care!
  • Description
  • Key Plant Features

Introducing the Sempervivum calcareum, a stunning mat-forming succulent perennial variety of the Sempervivum tectorum, that belongs to the Hens and chicks Sempervivum genus.

Native to the mountainous regions of Southern Europe, particularly the Alps and the Pyrenees, the Sempervivum calcareum has several other common names such as lime houseleek, calcareous houseleek, or Sempervivum tectorum var. calcareum. The name "calcareum" refers to its preference for growing in limestone-rich soils. 

Close-up of Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks) in a pot, with green leaves tipped red, surrounded by beige rocks in sunlight.

Sempervivum calcareum forms beautiful densely packed evergreen rosettes of plump juicy leaves that are typically blue-green or pale green in color with flush red tips.

These sharply pointed leaves have a powdery coating called "farina" that provides protection against intense sunlight and helps retain moisture.

The rosettes, which can grow up to 4 inches wide, spread in all directions by horizontal stems, resulting in an attractive carpet-like appearance.

The Sempervivum calcareum flowers bloom during late spring or early summer with tall flower stalks that rise above the rosettes. The flowers can vary in color, ranging from shades of pink, red, or yellow. The blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding a touch of vibrancy to the Sempervivum plant. 

When it comes to Sempervivum calcareum care, it is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-drained soil with medium moisture.  They accept poor soil conditions and flourish in sandy or gravelly soils. Sufficient drainage is required. Plant this succulent in full sun exposure for the best health and growth. It thrives in rock gardens, where heat is reflected off the rocks. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, as it can cause root rot. 

This cold-hardy succulent can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5a to 8b, surviving temperatures as low as -20°F in winter, and thrives in indoor environments with temperatures between 60-85°F. During the winter months, protect it from excessive moisture to prevent damage. Fertilization is generally not necessary, as these plants are adapted to nutrient-poor conditions. 

Sempervivum calcareum can be propagated through offsets, which are small "baby" plants that grow around the base of the mother rosette. These offsets can be gently removed from the mother plant and replanted to establish new offsets or chicks. Additionally, it can be propagated through leaf cuttings or by sowing seeds. 

Additionally, the Sempervivum calcareum is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. These succulent plants are one of the finest options to gift. Be sure to add your Sempervivum calcareum to your collection today and elevate the beauty of your home or garden with this stunning-looking plant. 

Bloom Season

Late spring mid summer

Flower Color

Pale pink

Growth Rate

Slow

Hardiness Zone

5--6--7--8--9--10--11

Mature Size

4 in. tall--20 in. wide

Plant Type

Evergreen succulent

Resistance

Extremely drought-tolerant--deer resistance--rabbit resistant--frost tolerant

Sun Exposure

Full sun (6+ hrs.)--Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun)

Watering Needs

Low
Attribute Value
Bloom Season Late spring mid summer
Botanical Name Sempervivum calcareum 'Greeni'
Common Name Hens and chicks, Mrs Giuseppi
Dormancy Winter
Family Crassulaceae
Flower Color Pale pink
Genus Sempervivum
Growth Habit Rosette
Growth Rate Slow
Hardiness Zone 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Mature Size 4 in. tall, 20 in. wide
Native Area South west Alps
Plant Type Evergreen succulent
Propagation By cuttings, offsets
Resistance Extremely drought-tolerant, deer resistance, rabbit resistant, frost tolerant
Soil PH 6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Special Features Easy to maintain as a houseplant
Sun Exposure Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun)
Toxicity Safe for humans, safe for pets
Watering Needs Low

Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

You may also like

SHOP ALL OUR MOST POPULAR PLANTS