Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum spp.)


Hens and Chicks Plant Features

Talk about irresistible! Hens and chicks are so cute you almost want to pinch their cheeks (if they had cheeks). Growing just a few inches tall, hens and chicks or sempervivum, form a central mother plant (the hen) that produces lookalike babies around her (chicks) every year. The plump rosettes of wedge-shaped leaves come in a variety of colors from bright green to maroon and retain their color through the winter. In the late summer, butterfly-attracting stalks of pink or rose flowers appear on each plant. Hens and chicks is a tough, drought-resistant perennial that works as well in the garden as it does in containers. Use hens and chicks in rock gardens, border edges, strawberry jars, or vertical gardens. The plants are deer resistant. Hardy from zones 4-9.

Hens and Chicks Questions?
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Hens and Chicks Growing Instructions

Plant hens and chicks in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. These rugged, ground-huggers require little attention as long as they aren't forced to roost in wet soil. The young plants can be removed from their mother at any time and planted in other locations. Once established, these easy-care perennials can grow in just the slightest amount of soil, making them fun choices for green roofs, living walls, and DIY-succulent projects. 

Hens and chicks are not recommended for human or animal consumption.
  • Water

    Low water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Pink

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Colorful foliage

    Deer/rabbit resistant

    Groundcover

    Super-easy to grow


Complement your Hens and Chicks

Purslane
Mix Purslane and Hens and Chicks in a strawberry jar for a tower of color.

Sedum
Low-growing varieties of Sedum work well with Hens and Chicks.

Blue Fescue
The short, fine foliage of Blue Fescue makes it a good plant to mix with Hens and Chicks.


Our favorite varieties

Jade Rose Hens and Chicks

Jade Rose Hens and Chicks

Sempervivum ‘Jade Rose’

This low-growing beauty features a showy rosette of narrow green leaves flushed in red. Small pinkish-red, daisy-like flowers appear on short stems. ‘Jade Rose’ is ideal for containers!