Jovibarba heuffelii, common name Hen-and-chickens, as a plant species native to the Balkans and to the Carpathians in Europe but reportedly naturalized in Wisconsin and probably in other parts of North America. It grows on rocky outcrops.
Sempervivums can handle periods of drought, but only so much. Usually, when the plant needs water, you will notice the leaves look crispy, wrinkled, or bend more than usual.
Sempervivum montanum is a fairly large plant, so it needs a lot of sun. 8-10 hours will be enough. However, if the varieties of this species are red or burgundy, then the plant will need the maximum amount of sunlight.
Most require little fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can soften the tissue and make the plants susceptible to rot. If you fertilize, choose an all-purpose liquid fertilizer with nitrogen (N) less than 12. Dilute to 1/2 strength and fertilize only during the growing season.
Sempervivum must have very well-draining soil in order to thrive, whether that comes in the form of gritty soil, sand or rocks. The plant will grow in almost no soil in rocky crevices or walls. Tough in most respects, sempervivum will perish quickly if planted in poorly draining soil.
Sempervivum are very tough alpine plants. They can survive winter temperatures all over the US. Most people will tell you that they are fine down to hardiness zone 4 (-20 to -30 F) and some say they are fine in zone 3. What will kill sempervivums quickest is being cold and wet.
Sempervivum will thrive in pots and containers of every kind but they must have drainage holes to let water out the bottom. Tubs, troughs, planters, old boots, hollowed-out logs, teapots - use anything that has a drain hole and will hold about 1 litre or more of compost.
