Family: Crassulaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 464 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Sempervivum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Germany to European Russia
Description
Rolling hen-and-chicks, scientifically known as Sempervivum globiferum, is an intriguing succulent that has captured the hearts of gardeners and botanists alike since its first formal description in 1753. This versatile plant, belonging to the Crassulaceae family, is native to a broad region stretching from Germany to European Russia, exhibiting an admirable adaptability to diverse climatic conditions.
Sempervivum globiferum is well-recognized for its unique growth pattern and resilience. The plant forms charming, low-lying rosettes composed of fleshy, pointed leaves. These rosettes have a striking appearance, often showcasing a range of colors from bright greens to deep purples, which can change with the seasons or varying environmental stressors. One of the most fascinating aspects of this species is its prolific nature; it frequently produces offsets, or “chicks,” which roll off the mother plant to establish new colonies, hence the common name “rolling hen-and-chicks.”
This perennial is not only charming in appearance but also incredibly robust. It thrives in well-drained, rocky soils and sunny positions, perfectly suited to rock gardens, alpine gardens, and containers. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions, including poor soils and drought, makes it an ideal choice for novice gardeners looking for low-maintenance yet visually appealing additions to their plant collections.
Ecologically, Sempervivum globiferum plays an important role in its native habitats. Its succulence allows it to store water, making it an essential component of the local flora, particularly in arid regions. The plant’s flowers, which typically bloom in the summer, are small but vibrant, attracting a variety of pollinators and contributing to the biodiversity of the area.
Rolling hen-and-chicks is not just a decorative plant but also a testament to nature’s resilience and adaptability. Its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions and its ease of propagation make it a beloved plant among enthusiasts. Whether nestled in a garden nook or gracing a windowsill, Sempervivum globiferum continues to enchant with its simple yet profound beauty.
Common Names
Dan: kugle-husløg, trilleløg
Deu: sprossende fransen-hauswurz
Swe: hammarbytaklök, höna och kycklingar, knopptaklök, skottskjutande taklök, taklök
Eng: rolling hen-and-chicks
En: Rolling Hen-and-chicks
Be: Скочкі атожылкавыя
Cs: Netřesk výběžkatý
Da: Kugle-husløg, Trilleløg
Et: Võsu-liivsibul
Fi: Mehiparta, Pallomehiparta
Fr: Joubarbe des sables
De: Sprossende Fransen-Hauswurz, Sprossende Fransenhauswurz, Sprossender Donarsbart
Hu: Gömbös kövirózsa
Pl: Rojownik pospolity
Ru: Молодило шароносное
Sk: Skalničník výhonkatý
Sv: Hammarbytaklök, Höna och kycklingar, Knopptaklök, Skottskjutande taklök, Taklök
Synonyms
- Jovibarba globifera ((L.) J.Parn.)
- Diopogon globifer ((L.) Leute)
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- North European Russi (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 11, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Everest TV (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2022 by Alejandra Vasquez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Sabine Paris (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Hana Kuchaříková (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Petr Harant (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 24, 2008 by Jana Korduliaková (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2004 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2021 by Erika Borisevska (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by meme yong (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2021 by Richard sotorník (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Tomasz Gałecki (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 11, 2022 by Pekka Salokangas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Bark
Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8091002)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:276452-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sempervivum globiferum L.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 4.5
Ph minimum: 4.0
Light: 9
Atmospheric humidity: 3
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 2