Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks) are monocarpic, meaning that each plant can only bloom once in its lifetime. Fortunately, a Semp rosette will grow for many years and produce lots of low growing offsets (chicks) These will grow roots and live independently aroud the mother. after about 2 years the original sempervivum will produce a long stalk and a flower. This will then die Each chick or rosette will grow independently and produce chicks of their own This will produce a mat forming cluster of sempervivums which will spread.
TheRomans chose the latin word Sempervivum which means ” forever alive ” Below is why…
Sempervivum plants generally only live for 3 years, so the plants have 2 productive years before they die. After 3 years and having produced many baby plants a Sempervivum grows a tall centre stalk that blooms before the plant dies The babies are all identical to the mother . they root and carry on the life cycle of the plant, hence they are forever alive.
Their natural habitats are typically 3000 to 8000 ft above sea level in mountainous regions of central and southern Europe and Mediterranean islands. They thrive equally well in the UK