What gives house leeks their botanical name – Sempervivum?

An in depth look at the meaning behind the Latin, botanical naming of the Sempervivum and the species within this genus.

This is the third in this series where I look at the origins of Latin plant names for a specific genus. Today’s plant of choice is the Sempervivum – you may know it as “Hens and Chicks”. (You can learn about why and how Latin is used to name plants here).

Sempervivum is a genus of approximately forty to fifty species, and just like Echeverias, they come from the Crassulaceae family. They are a generally tough, Alpine succulent, originating from the mountains of Southern and Central Europe, and thrive in all types of weather. There are a few common names for the genus including Houseleeks, Liveforever and the aforementioned Hens and Chicks.

The genus or “group” name - Sempervivum

Sempervivum literally translates from the Latin as “always living” - “semper” means "always” and “vivus” means "living". This is because they are an evergreen plant - which is a plant that keeps its leaves throughout the winter - and they are incredibly resistant to most difficult conditions of growth.

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Sempervivum species and their names

Amongst the forty or so species within this genus, there are also thousands of cultivars. One of the most well known species is probably the Common Houseleek, the Sempervivum tectorum. The specific epithet “tectorum” means “on roofs” and when put together with the genus, translates as “always living on roofs”. This translation refers to Roman times when these plants used to be planted on the roofs of thatched houses. This was said to reduce fires caused by lightning – because of the amount of water stored inside these succulents.

This Common Houseleek has many other common names, such as - Old Man and Woman, Roof Houseleek, Roof Foil, Jupiter’s Eye, Bullock’s Eye, Devil's Beard, Jove’s Beard, Jupiter’s Beard, Bullock’s Beard, St Patrick’s Cabbage, Thunder Plant, Fuet, Healing Blade, Poor Jan’s Leaf and the hilarious Welcome-home-husband-however-drunk-you-be!

Here’s some further Sempervivum species translations –

• Sempervivum arachnoideum - arachnoideum means “spider’s web” and refers to the fine webs across the leaves that resemble cobwebs.
• Common names: Spider’s Web Sempervivum, Cobweb Houseleek, Cobweb Sedum, Cobweb Hen and Chick, Spider Web Hens and Chicks.
• Sempervivum calcareum - calcareum means “of chalky land” referring to growing environments the plant originates from.
• Common names: Old Man and Woman, Roof House Leek, Hens and Chickens.
• Sempervivum ciliosum - ciliosum means “with a small fringe”. Common name: Tenerife Houseleek
• Sempervivum macedonicum - macedonicum means “from Macedonia”.
• Common names: Hens and Chicks, Houseleek, Macedonia Houseleek.
• Sempervivum marmoreum - marmoreum means “marbled”, referring to the marbled colours that can be found on the leaves.
• Sempervivum pittonii - pittonii refers to Josef C. Pittoni, the 19th century botanist, whose name was given to this species.
• Common name: Pittoni Houseleek.
• Sempervivum wulfenii - wulfenii refers to Professor Franz Xavier, Freiherr von Wulfen, the 18th century Austrian naturalist and botanist, whose name was given to this species.
• Common names: Wulfen’s Houseleek, Hens and Chicks.
• Sempervivum armenum - armenum means “Armenian”, referring to where it originates from.
• Common name: Armenian Houseleek.
• Sempervivum heuffelii - heuffellii refers to Johann Heuffel, the 19th century Hungarian physician and botanist, whose name was given to this species.
• Common name: Job’s Beard.
• Sempervivum cantabricum - cantabricum means “from Cantabria”.
• Common names: Hens and Chicks, Houseleek.
• Sempervivum barbulatum - barbulatum translates as “short beard” and is also known as the Sempervivum dolomiticum.
• Common names: Hens and Chicks, Houseleek..

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This is a relatively small selection of all the different Sempervivum species there are in this genus. They are an absolutely fascinating group of gorgeously rosette-shaped plants, which are easy to grown and will add colour and texture to your pots, rockery and garden. 

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Take a look at my Sempervivum care guide here or buy my illustrated Sempervivum identification sheet from my shop.