Sempervivum 'Engle's'

Sometimes called hen-and-chicks, sempervivums, or houseleeks, are hardy, succulent, alpine plants that grow in the wild between rocks in mountainous regions. In summer tall, conical spikes of greenish pink flowers emerge from the centre of mature plants.

Sempervivum 'Engle's' has downy bronze-green leaves, which darken to almost purple in winter. It's a fantastic choice for growing in containers, especially when grouped with other sempervivums.

For best results, grow Sempervivum 'Engle's' in full sun in well-drained soil, preferably in containers with added horticultural grit to aid drainage. Sempervivums don't need feeding, but do benefit from being repotted each year into compost containing slow-release fertiliser. Propagate new plants by gently teasing out the small baby rosettes (chicks) which appear around the main plant (hen), and transplant to a new location.