Plant Type:

Genus Overview: Jovibarba

Jovibarba bear a striking resemblance and may be confused with Sempervivum. Indeed, Jovibarba are very closely allied with Hens and Chicks. One distinct feature is the manner in which they can be propagated. As with Sempervivum the hens produce chicks which are connected by shorter or longer stems, species dependent, these are easily picked-off, the filament end can be barely interred in potting mix or on garden ground where they will sprout new roots and claim their little piece of garden heaven. Jovibarba heuffelii increase their numbers by growing from the ever-expanding rootstock beneath the increasing number of rosettes. To propagate the clump must be lifted and individuals must be separated, cut away from the cluster of rosettes. Jovibarba globifera (aka Jovibarba sobolifera) and J. hirta produce "rollers". Rollers are the new, tight, globe-shaped chicks connected to hens from nearly indistinguishable short stems which when the rosette becomes large enough break with the chick rolling away from the mother, henceforth "rollers". Technically, these are in botanical jargon globi. Jovibarba and Sempervivum are all water wise, monocarpic and sun loving.