Sempervivum tectorum

Sempervivum tectorum forms artichoke-like rosettes of pointed oval leaflets. Plants (“hens”) rapidly spread laterally by spawning new rosettes (“chicks”), forming thick mats. Occasionally, the “hen” will send up a tall, foot-high stalk with ugly flowers, after which the original plant dies. Sempervivum is pretty much indestructible, and suitable for the “black thumb” gardener. Our Sempervivum was thriving in stones next to a paved driveway exposed to full sun and heat all day long. It doesn’t care. The ground cover mats are very attractive, with the points of each leaflet tinged in red. Deer never eat it.