Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget: A Guide to This Unique Succulent
Houseleek Gold Nugget
Position
- Full sun
- Well-ventilated position
- Rock gardens, walls, containers
- South or west-facing aspects ideal
Hardiness
- Very hardy down to -20°C (-4°F)
- Excellent winter survival in UK conditions
- More concerned with wet than cold
Soil Type
- Very well-drained soil essential
- Gritty, poor soil preferred
- Tolerates any pH (acid, neutral, or alkaline)
- Ideal in sandy or gravelly soils
Soil PH
- Tolerates any pH (acid, neutral, or alkaline)
Height
- Height: 5-8cm
- Spread: 10-15cm through offsets
- Forms tight rosettes
Seasons of Interest
- Year-round colour interest
- Spring/summer colour: bright golden-yellow
- Autumn/winter colour: takes on amber tones
- Pink star-shaped flowers in summer (but plant dies after flowering)
- Produces numerous offspring (chicks) around parent plant
Additional Notes
- Perfect for alpine gardens and troughs
- Excellent in crevices and between paving
- Needs extremely good drainage
- Dies after flowering but leaves multiple offsets
- Drought tolerant once established
- Avoid overhead watering
- Protection from winter wet essential
- Easy to propagate from offsets
- Disease resistant
- Pest resistant
- Can be grown in shallow containers
- Perfect for green roofs
- Low maintenance
- Best planted spring through summer
- Remove dead leaves to prevent rot
- Will not tolerate waterlogged conditions
- Can be grown indoors in bright conditions
Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget: A Gardener’s Delight
Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget, also known as hens and chicks, are easy-to-grow succulents that bring vibrant colour and interest to any garden. These evergreen perennials are drought tolerant and thrive in full sun, making them perfect for even beginner gardeners. This article will explore everything you need to know about growing and caring for these fascinating plants.
What are Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget?
Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget is a unique variety of houseleek, prized for its striking foliage. The pointed leaves first emerge a lime green in summer, transitioning to a golden green with dark red edges in spring and autumn. The dark red spreads across the leaves in winter, creating a fascinating journey of colour across the seasons. The leaf colour is dependent on temperature and light. This succulent forms attractive rosettes, creating clusters on leafy stems. They are a favourite with kids, adding a touch of charm to any garden setting.
These hardy houseleeks are perfect for rockeries and narrow borders. Their fleshy leaves store water, making them exceptionally drought tolerant. They are an easy to grow addition to any garden.
How do I grow Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget?
Growing Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget is straightforward. The plants need well-drained soil. A mix of grit and soil works perfectly. Full sun is ideal, but they tolerate partial shade. They are perfectly suited to alpine troughs and terracotta bowls.
What kind of soil do they need?
These sempervivums prefer poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained soil. Avoid overly rich soil, which can lead to rotting. Adding grit to improve drainage is beneficial. The soil in full sun should be well-drained to prevent waterlogging. A gritty soil mix provides the ideal conditions for these drought tolerant succulents.
How much sun do Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget need?
Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget thrive in full sun. At least six hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for optimal growth and vibrant colour. However, they can tolerate some shade, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
How often should I water Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget?
These drought tolerant plants need infrequent watering. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is more harmful than underwatering. In winter, reduce watering even further.
How big do Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget grow?
These sempervivums typically reach a height of around 5-8cm in a pot. They spread outwards forming clumps of rosettes.
Do Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget need feeding?
Generally, these plants need no further care once established, and they don’t require regular feeding.
How do I propagate Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget?
Propagation is easy. Simply pull out a dead rosette and fill the hole with gritty soil. The “chicks” or offsets that grow around the mother plant can easily be separated and repotted.
What are the potential problems when growing Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget?
Overwatering is the most common problem, leading to rotting. Ensure excellent drainage. Slugs and snails can also be a problem.
Where can I buy Sempervivum Chick Charms® Gold Nugget?
You can find these delightful plants at many garden centres or online retailers such as Amazon.
Key Points to Remember:
- Plant in well-drained, gritty soil
- Provide at least six hours of full sun daily
- Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry
- Propagate easily by separating offsets
- These are low-maintenance, drought tolerant plants, perfect for beginners
Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on perennials for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Sempervivum Chick Charms® ‘Gold Nugget’?
A: It’s a beautiful houseleek, or succulent, from the Chick Charms range. Renowned for its distinctive golden leaves, it makes a splendid addition to any garden!
Q: How do I care for my Gold Nugget houseleek?
A: These plants are very easy to care for! Ensure they are in well-draining soil and receive plenty of sunlight. They thrive in dry conditions, so avoid overwatering!
Q: Can I pot my Gold Nugget into alpine troughs?
A: Absolutely! Potting them in alpine troughs is an excellent choice. It offers superb drainage and allows them to display their stunning leaves beautifully.
Q: When do the flowers bloom for this plant?
A: The Gold Nugget typically blooms in summer. The flowers are quite lovely and add an extra layer of interest to your garden!
Q: What happens to the plant after it flowers?
A: It’s common for sempervivum to die after flowering, but don’t worry! The plant usually produces offsets (baby plants) before that occurs, allowing you to keep your garden flourishing.
Q: Are Chick Charms suitable for beginners in gardening?
A: Definitely! Chick Charms, including the Gold Nugget, are ideal for beginners. They are hardy, easy to care for, and add vibrant colour to your garden!
Q: How do I know if my plant is healthy?
A: Healthy sempervivum should have firm, vibrant leaves and be free of pests. If you observe any signs of wilting or discolouration, it’s time to assess your watering and sunlight conditions!