Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Hens and Chicks are a low-maintenance succulent that is also rather hardy. The thick, pointed foliage grows in a lovely rosette formation. The nearly black foliage of Sempervivum 'Black' or Black Hens and Chicks has hints of green and purple. Flower spikes topped with white blooms emerge in the summer. This beauty does best with a certain degree of neglect and is effortless to maintain since it basically wants to be left alone.
Plant Black Hens and Chicks in mass plantings for a stunning look or use as a groundcover. This succulent makes a beautiful container plant that adds easy style to a patio table or outdoor space. Sempervivum produces offsets or pups, which are new plants that grow alongside the parent plant and create a dense and full planting. Offsets can be removed and grown as separate plants once they are large enough.
Black Hens and Chicks Care
Sempervivum thrives in a hot, dry spot with rocky, poor-quality soil. Plant Black Hens and Chicks in a well-draining mixture of compost and sand or place the plant on rocks. Water this plant once a week as needed. This plant would much rather be underwatered than overwatered, so err on the side of not waiting when deciding what to do.
Sempervivum will die back during the winter in cold regions and reemerge in the spring. The plant can spend the winter outdoors, or you can bring container-grown Hens and Chicks inside for the winter. Place the container in a sunny spot and water when the soil is completely dry.
Black Hens and Chicks Spacing
Black Hens and Chicks will grow 4 to 6 inches tall and spread out 6 to 8 inches. Space plants 6 to 8 inches apart, so the offshoots or baby plants will fill in the empty areas. The plants die back after they are done blooming, so remove the older plants, and the offshoots will take over and eventually send out offshoots of their own. Grow 2 to 3 Hens and Chicks in a 12-inch container.
Black Hens And Chicks Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Perennials |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 4 - 6 Inches |
| Mature Spread: 6 - 8 Inches |
| Spacing: 6 - 8 Inches |
| Habit: Mounded |
| Flower Color(s): White |
| Flower Description: Frosty White |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Variegated |
| Foliage Color(s): Black, Green |
| Foliage Description: Nearly Black Foliage - Highlighted With Green |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Containers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Black Hens And Chicks |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: SEMPERVIVUM `BLACK` |
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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