Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Gritty, well-drained soil.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
When established in a protected spot, the hardiest houseleeks can survive winter cold to -20°F (-29°C). Semi-tropical selections can be brought indoors for winter.
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Feeding
None needed.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 7" (20cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Plant these showy succulents from spring through early summer in containers or beds where they can be kept free of weeds. Houseleeks shared by friends can be planted at any time of year except winter, when they should be kept indoors until spring. Young plants need water their first year, but after that houseleeks are very drought tolerant.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Houseleeks are unrelated to leeks, but they grow well on houses, where they are thought to bring good luck. The old Anglo Saxon word for plant was “leac.” Sempervivums and other hardy succulents are choice plants for green roofs. Bright sun brings out the red color in plump sempervivum leaves. Sempervivums constantly put out new offspring on spreading stolons, which can be left in place or transplanted elsewhere.
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Harvesting
Houseleeks are not dependable flower producers. Plants more than three years old are most likely to produce starry pink, white or yellow blossoms.
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Troubleshooting
Very wet weather can lead to crown rot. In winter and early spring, temporary covers may be needed to protect plants from hungry rabbits and deer.
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