Chick Charms® Giant Emerald Explosion Hens and Chicks

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-11 Inches

Mature Spread

6-11 Inches

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Chick Charms® Giant Emerald Explosion Hens and Chicks features a rosette of evenly arranged deep green, triangular leaves brushed with burgundy in their middles. The main ‘hen’ produces adorable chicks, as well as large pink flowers. Reaching a maximum height of 3 inches and spread of 10 inches, this low-maintenance succulent stays compact. Sempervivum 'Emerald Explosion' PPAF is a beautiful option for a busy person who wants to add gorgeous, non-fuss color to a patio or rock garden. This evergreen perennial provides interest year-round.

This tough succulent has slow, mound-forming, and spreading growth. Plant it in containers, including strawberry jars, or crevices, and include it in borders, ground covers, and alpine gardens. Native to Europe, this succulent is drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, and cold hardy in zones 3-8. With its charming name and appearance, Chick Charms® Giant Emerald Explosion Hens and Chicks poses minimal problems for movers and shakers with little time to get their hands dirty. 

Chick Charms® Giant Emerald Explosion Hens and Chicks Care

A typical succulent, Chick Charms® Giant Emerald Explosion Hens and Chicks, thrives in full sun and in poor soil. Plant in spring after the last threat of frost has passed in well-draining, sandy soil. It is susceptible to diseases causing crown rot, so amend poorly draining soil with compost, and water only when the top two inches of soil are dry. Do not fertilize. No pruning is typically required. 

Plant in a wide, shallow container in a potting mix specifically designed for cacti. Water containers during spring, summer, and fall when the top two inches of soil are dry, but refrain from watering during this plant’s dormant period in the winter unless you bring the container indoors to overwinter. Fertilizer is rarely required, but if necessary, apply a balanced fertilizer diluted to 50% of the manufacturer’s recommendation. To overwinter in exceptionally cold locales, bring the plant inside and place it in a location receiving bright direct light, preferably near a south-facing window.

Chick Charms® Giant Emerald Explosion Hens and Chicks Spacing

Space plants 10 inches apart. Allow chicks to roam or separate from their mother and plant elsewhere. Plant with other cold-hardy succulents, such as agave, echeveria, and sedum, in containers or in rooftop, rock, alpine, and crevice gardens.