Hens & Chicks 1 to 30 of 61 total
Hens & Chicks 1 to 30 of 61 total
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 include 40 flowering succulent species in the Sempervivum genus. The thick leaves grow in a rosette and can handle dry, hot environments They are one of the most frost-resistant succulents and are hardy to growing zone 3. The leaves can be green, brown, orange, magenta, red and purple--we carry a huge assortment! There are also varieties with fine fibers on the leaves that look like spider webs.
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, Hen-widdies, Hen and Biddies, Houseleeks, Rose Cactus and Live-forever
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 a favorite among succulent lovers because they're easy to care for and have a unique rosette shape. These hardy plants come in an array of colors and sizes, ranging from subtle greens to striking purples, and stay evergreen even in cold climates. Their tolerance for drought and poor soil make them an ideal choice for challenging landscapes, where most other plants would struggle. Once established, they can spread rapidly via offsets and form an attractive groundcover.
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
| Type | Scientific Name | Native | Flowers | Foliage | USDA Zones | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common houseleek | Sempervivum tectorum | Mountains of S. & C. Europe; N. Africa | Starry pink-to-rose blooms on tall stems; mother rosette dies after flowering (monocarpic) | Fleshy pointed leaves; green to red-tipped rosettes; offsets on stolons | 5 – 8 (hardy to −30 °F) | Extremely cold-hardy; forms spreading mats; tolerates poor, dry, rocky soil; traditional “roof plant” |
| Cobweb houseleek | Sempervivum arachnoideum | Alps & Pyrenees (Europe) | Pink star flowers on short stems | Small rosettes covered in white “cobweb” hairs; green to reddish | 5 – 8 | Dense cushions; distinctive webbing; excellent for rock gardens & troughs; drought tolerant |
| Blue Mexican hens & chicks | Echeveria spp. | Mexico & N. South America (mountainous regions) | Arching coral-pink or orange stalks with pendant bells; rosettes do not die after bloom | Smooth gray-blue to multicolored leaves; produce chicks tightly around hen | 9 – 11 (frost-tender; patio annual elsewhere) | Heat & drought tolerant but not cold-hardy; spectacular color in full sun; ideal for containers, dish gardens |
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 Chick Care
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 Flowering 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.
