Sempervivum Chick Charms Lotus Blossom ® - Houseleek

Sempervivum Chick Charms® 'Lotus Blossom' is a true gem for the rock garden. This succulent perennial produces large rosettes whose overlapping leaves resemble Lotus flowers. Its architectural silhouette is adorned with astonishing colours, changing according to the light, blending at times green, cream, white, pink and purple. The plant gradually grows to form highly ornamental cushions of vegetation. Perfectly tolerant of dry conditions and sun, it is also easily grown in a pot to brighten up a balcony or terrace.

Sempervivum, commonly known as Houseleek, belongs to the Crassulaceae family, grouping plants well adapted to arid areas. It is the family of Sedum (stonecrop), some species of which are used for green roofs, and Echeveria, which was once the star of carpet bedding. From Europe to Asia Minor, the genus Sempervivum occurs in about forty species, combining hardiness and drought resistance. They have given rise to 4,000 natural or horticultural varieties, so much is the plant prized by breeders and enthusiasts. The Chick Charm series is the work of American breeder Chris Hansen (Michigan), who prioritised rosette size, unusual colours and ease of cultivation, notably good resistance to root rot.
Sempervivum Chick Charms® 'Lotus Blossom' immediately captivates with its rosettes, whose geometry resembles Lotus flowers. Their very regular architecture is due to the imbrication of leaves tightly packed at the centre and gradually spreading towards the periphery, like a flower in the process of opening. The very dense rosettes, composed of dozens of succulent leaves, generally reach 15 cm in diameter, or even more, for 10 cm in height. Spatulate and incurved at the centre, the leaves stretch out around the edge, taking the shape of a narrow strap. Depending on the season and ambient light, colours vary. If light is somewhat low, the pink median part is bordered with a cream-white margin, while the tip of the leaf and the centre of the rosette display shades of green. When the sun is bright, the entire plant turns to a purplish pink, only a few shy shades of green remaining at the base of some leaves. Whatever the season, this Houseleek proves particularly ornamental, whether planted in the ground or in a pot, which it tolerates very well. Over time, the original rosette produces offshoots at the periphery, which in turn grow to form a groundcover carpet. It is also possible to remove them to generate new plants. In older plants, a flower stalk may rise from the centre of the rosette, bearing relatively small pink flowers. Once flowering is over, the rosette dries up and dies, with axillary offshoots then ensuring its renewal.

The very hardy Houseleek Lotus Blossom is capable of colonising inhospitable spaces – stony, shallow soils where few other plants succeed. Its sculptural appearance is useful for giving character to a rock garden, where it will thrive perfectly on the sunny side. If you appreciate strong colour contrasts, plant alongside it a golden Thyme such as Thymus citriodorus 'Aureus', whose luminous colour will vividly contrast with the purple of your Houseleek. Sea thrift (Armeria maritima) is also very ornamental and well adapted to stony environments. Its white, pink or red heads, proudly rising above the fine foliage, will bring colour.