Hens & Chicks
Uses:
- Xeriscape & Waterwise Gardens
- Grow in Retaining Walls
- Containers & Planters
Features:
- Drought Tolerant
- Deer Resistant
- Low Maintenance
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- 6+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 3-9
- What is My Zone?
Hens and chicks, Sempervivum, are drought tolerant succulents that grow very well in full sunlight and poor soil conditions. The soil needs to drain well. Gardeners often plant these attractive rosettes in between the cracks of retaining walls, waterwise gardens & rock gardens.
Why Buy Hens and Chicks Online
Hens and Chicks are in the Sempervivum genus of 40 flowering plants in the Crassulaceae family. Hens and chicks is the common name for a group of small succulent plants that have the ability to store water in their thick leaves. These plants are one of the most frost-resistant succulents and can survive in growing zone 3! Also known as hen-widdies, hen and biddies, houseleeks, rose cactus and live-forever.
Hens and chicks grow into small rosettes and can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. There are also varieties that looks like spider webs are in the inside of the plant. The leaves can be green, brown, orange, magenta, red and purple.
The Best Way To Use Hens and Chicks
Most gardeners use hens and chicks as a groundcover for dry, sunny locations. These plants can grow in retaining walls with poor soil conditions and can tolerate full sun conditions with little water. When the plants are growing in good conditions, they can spread rapidly via offsets. The fact that the plant can store water in the thick leaves, allows it to be able to thrive in sunny and dry locations where most other plants wouldn’t survive. Most are hardy to US zone 3, and will handle warmer climates up to zone 9. These grow best in dry, well draining sandy soil to prevent soggy roots
One of the most frost-resistant succulents
Low maintenance
Green, brown, orange, magenta, red and purple foliage
Thrive in harsh conditions
Growing zones 3 to 9
About Hens & Chicks
Genus
Species
Family
Sempervivum
Sempervivum tectorum, Sempervivum arachnoideum, Sempervivum calcareum, Sempervivum montanum, Sempervivum ciliosum, Sempervivum heuffelii, Sempervivum grandiflorum
Crassulaceae
Common Names:
Houseleek, Echeveria
Native To:
Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flower Color:
Pink, red, yellow
Flower Bloom Time:
Summer
Growth Habit:
Spreading, Clumping, Ground Cover
Attracts:
Bees
Tolerates:
Drought, Poor Soil, Cold Winters
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits
How To Use Hens & Chicks In The Garden
Hens & Chicks are popular because they're easy to care for and have a unique rosette shape, making them a favorite among succulent lovers. These hardy plants come in an array of colors and sizes, ranging from subtle greens to striking purples, adding visual interest year-round. Their tolerance for drought and poor soil make them an ideal choice for challenging landscapes, requiring minimal water and care to remain attractive.
These succulents are perfect for filling crevices in rock gardens, accenting pathways, or creating charming arrangements in pots. Their shallow root system allows them to grow in tight spaces like wall crevices or between stepping stones. When used in mixed planters or fairy gardens, they add texture and charm. Additionally, hens & chicks are excellent for erosion control on slopes and can be planted en masse for a tapestry of color in any outdoor setting.
Hens and Chicks Care
Plant hens and chicks in well-drained soil, ideally a gritty mix of rock and soil to protect the roots from overwatering. Select a location with full sun exposure, as these succulents thrive with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Water sparingly, about once a week, ensuring the soil is dry before the next watering; avoid wetting the leaves to reduce fungal risks. Fertilization isn't essential but can promote growth; if desired, apply a balanced 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer at quarter strength every other month once the plants are established.
After a hen rosette blooms, it will naturally die back and can be removed to make room for the growth of new chicks. In winter, hens and chicks are hardy in zones 3-8 and enter dormancy, requiring minimal care, as long as the planting site continues to drain well. When growing in containers, use a soil-gravel mix to enhance drainage, and only water when the soil feels dry.
Learn More About Hens and Chicks
Hens and Chicks Are Flowering
When Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) mature, typically after three or more years, they may produce a central flower stalk during summer. This stalk can appear as a bulge or an unusual stem, differing from the plant's usual leaf pattern. As the flower stalk develops, the central leaves may close, and the rosette might tilt. Eventually, star-shaped flowers emerge.
This flowering process, known as the monocarpic process, signals the end of the mother plant's life cycle, as it will die after producing seeds. However, before this, the plant typically generates several smaller rosettes, or "chicks," around the base. These offshoots will continue to grow, filling the space left by the original plant and ensuring the continuation of the colony. It's best to allow the flowering and natural die-off to occur, as removing the flower stalk won't prevent the mother plant's death.
Learn More About Hens and Chicks
Hens & Chicks Companion Plants
Plants that go well with hens and chicks are sun loving annuals, perennials and shrubs that require excellent drainage and can handle drought or low water conditions. Some of our favorite plants to grow with sempervivum are sedum, yarrow, daylilies, agapanthus (african lily), and purslane. All of those plants grow great in rock gardens and other low water conditions.
