Jovibarba sobolifera - (Sims.)Opiz.
(Sims.)Opiz.
Hen And Chickens Houseleek
gbif· cc-by
Peeter Anijalg
gbif· cc-by-sa
Eliise Uibo
gbif· cc-by-sa
Art Villem Adojaan
Description
Jovibarba sobolifera is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
Leaf rosettes and young shoots - raw.
Distribution
Europe to Asia.
Where It Grows
EUROPE: Austria (north), Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia (north), Russian Federation-European part (European part (c.)), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine (north)
Cultivation
Succeeds in any sandy soil. Requires a gritty well-drained soil in full sun. Succeeds on a wall. Plants are hardy to about -15°c so long as they are in a well-drained soil. They strongly dislike winter wet. Individual offsets take several years to reach flowering size but then die after flowering, though more offsets are produced. This species does not hybridize naturally.
Propagation
Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest surface sowing the seed in a sunny position in a greenhouse in late winter or early spring. Do not allow the compost to become dry. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of offsets in the summer.
