Hen And Chickens Houseleek
Jovibarba sobolifera

Family: Crassulaceae

What it is like

Jovibarba sobolifera is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Dry sandy sites, especially in pine forests and on limestone, also on rocky river banks.

Europe to Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaf rosettes and young shoots - raw.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in any sandy soil. Requires a gritty well-drained soil in full sun. Succeeds on a wall. Plants are hardy to about -15°c so long as they are in a well-drained soil. They strongly dislike winter wet. Individual offsets take several years to reach flowering size but then die after flowering, though more offsets are produced. This species does not hybridize naturally.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest surface sowing the seed in a sunny position in a greenhouse in late winter or early spring. Do not allow the compost to become dry. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of offsets in the summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sempervivum soboliferum.