Sempervivum 'Itchen'

Sempervivums, or houseleeks, are hardy, succulent, alpine plants often used in patio container displays. Sometimes called hen-and-chicks, they consist of a main rosette (hen) around which baby rosettes (chicks) develop as plants mature. In summer tall, conical spikes of greenish pink flowers emerge from the centre of older rosettes.

Sempervivum 'Itchen' is a beautiful cultivar, bearing tight rosettes of triangular-shaped, mid-green, leaves with red tips. Older leaves develop more of a red colouration, which bring out the colour of the tips of younger leaves. It's perfect for growing in containers, ideally 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 chicks and transplanting them to a new location.