Sempervivum calcareum (Hens and Chicks)

Introducing the Sempervivum calcareum, a stunning mat-forming succulent perennial variety of the Sempervivum tectorum, that belongs to the Hens and chicks Sempervivum genus. Native to the mountainous regions of Southern Europe, particularly the Alps and the Pyrenees, the Sempervivum calcareum has several other common names such as lime houseleek, calcareous houseleek, or Sempervivum tectorum var. calcareum. The name "calcareum" refers to its preference for growing in limestone-rich soils.  Sempervivum calcareum forms beautiful densely packed evergreen rosettes of plump juicy leaves that are typically blue-green or pale green in color with flush red tips.These sharply pointed leaves have a powdery coating called "farina" that provides protection against intense sunlight and helps retain moisture. The rosettes, which can grow up to 4 inches wide, spread in all directions by horizontal stems, resulting in an attractive carpet-like appearance. The Sempervivum calcareum flowers bloom du