Hen And Chickens Houseleek
Jovibarba sobolifera
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Pl. 88A3 — Jovibarba sobolifera
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IOverview
Overview
Hen and Chickens Houseleek (Jovibarba sobolifera) is a perennial plant native to Central Europe and the Baltic States. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this houseleek thrives in light, sandy soil with a pH of 4–4.5, thriving in dry or moist conditions but preferring drier environments. It can be found across Austria, Belarus, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. One distinctive feature is its rosette-like form, where the "hen" (the parent plant) produces smaller "chickens" around it, creating a charming cluster appearance. Its hardiness ranges from zones 4 to 8, making it adaptable in various climates.
Quick answers
What is Hen And Chickens Houseleek?
Hen and Chickens Houseleek (Jovibarba sobolifera) is a perennial plant native to Central Europe and the Baltic States. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this houseleek thrives in light, sandy soil with a pH of 4–4.5, thriving in dry or moist conditions but preferring drier environments.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Hen And Chickens Houseleek thrives in light to moist conditions with well-draining, sandy soil and a pH of 4–4.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates. This perennial prefers partial shade to full sun but should be protected from excessive heat. Regular watering is necessary during dry periods, but ensure the soil does not become waterlogged. Propagate by dividing the offsets or seeds. Harvest edible parts such as leaves and shoots for culinary use.
Light
9/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
4–4.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Hen And Chickens Houseleek for the first time
8steps
Start with Hen And Chickens Houseleek for a low-maintenance, rewarding experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Hen And Chickens Houseleek plants or seeds, small pots, well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a pot with drainage holes. Mix sandy soil with peat for moisture retention.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the mother plant or sow seeds in the prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting, ensuring the soil is just moist.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep the soil slightly dry. Avoid overwatering and excessive fertilization.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance but avoid harvesting edible parts.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, using heavy soil, neglecting drainage, not providing enough light, over-fertilizing, and removing too many leaves.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The Hen And Chickens Houseleek's leaves and shoots are edible. Typically, these parts can be consumed raw or cooked. They add a mild flavor to salads or can be steamed as a side dish. Skip the preparation steps involving complex cooking methods since simple approaches suffice for enjoying this plant’s culinary benefits.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 16 native· 2 introduced
Europe12 regions
native (10)AustriaBelarusFranceGermanyHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaRussiaUkraine
introduced (2)RussiaSweden
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Baltic States, Transcaucasus
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 88a3a827-f241-4a64-b52e-72ec351c85d9
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