Sempervivum 'Butterfly'
Soft as Wings, Tough as Stone
$12.99
Out of stock
Sempervivum ‘Butterfly’ is a small, clumping succulent hybrid bred by Edward Skrocki, beloved for its irresistibly fuzzy rosettes and pronounced fringe of white cilia. Despite its soft, almost plush appearance, this “Hens & Chicks” variety is exceptionally resilient, thriving in harsh conditions while delivering beautiful seasonal color changes. Its compact size and texture-rich foliage make it a favorite for rock gardens, containers, and alpine plantings. Shipped in 2–3-inch plastic nursery pot.
Common Name: Butterfly Hens and Chicks
Botanical Name: Sempervivum ‘Butterfly’
Physical Appearance
Foliage: Petite, velvety leaves arranged in tight rosettes; heavily fringed with soft white cilia (fine hairs) along the margins
Color: Shifts throughout the year, moving between deep burgundy tones and varying shades of green depending on season and light
Size: Individual rosettes remain small, typically under 3 inches (7.5 cm); spreads into compact clumps or dense mats up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide
Flowers: Summer-blooming, star-shaped flowers in pinkish-purple tones borne on upright stalks; flowering rosettes die after bloom, but surrounding offsets quickly fill in
Plant Care
Hardiness: Extremely frost-hardy; suitable for USDA Zones 5–10; survives snow cover but must be protected from standing water or prolonged heavy rain
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of outdoor sunlight encourages tight rosettes and rich coloration
Soil: Gritty, well-draining soil such as cactus or succulent mix; containers must have drainage holes
Water: Low water requirements; drought-tolerant; water thoroughly only when soil is completely dry—overwatering is the primary risk
Propagation: Very easy; remove and replant offsets (“chicks”) that form on stolons around the parent plant
Perfect For
Rock and alpine gardens
Stone wall crevices
Xeriscaping and low-water landscapes
Decorative troughs and small containers
Mixed succulent bowls and fairy gardens
Cold-climate succulent collections
Pollinator-friendly gardens (flowers attract bees and butterflies)