Get the Sempervivum lowdown!
What are Sempervivum? Sempervivum are tough, hardy, evergreen succulents. The name originates from the Latin words semper (“always”) and vivus (“living”). They are most commonly grown as a groundcover, forming slightly mounded mats with tufted rosettes, but have several other uses. Sempervivum grow naturally in the mountainous regions around the Mediterranean, Central and Southern Europe, where they live amongst sunny, rocky locations.
Why the name Hens & Chicks? They are commonly called Hens & Chicks as the Mother, or Hen will send out Babies, or Chicks to quickly multiply and create a beautiful patch of succulent bliss. Sempervivum are monocarpic and will expire after blooming, although the Chicks will quickly fill in the space left by the Mother.
Where should I plant Sempervivum Hens & Chicks?
Hens & Chicks have numerous applications in your garden or landscape. Plant your Sempervivum…
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In planter beds and borders
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As a succulent groundcover
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In rock gardens and crevices
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In containers and baskets
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Or even in a vertical succulent garden
How do I care for Sempervivum?
Light: Provide lots of outdoor sunlight! Most of the varieties prefer to spend at least 4 hours in direct sun. Shade will weaken the plant overall, causing the rosettes to stretch and lose all their color, eventually reverting to green. Hens & Chicks succulents do not make the best houseplants, even in a south face window with lots of light. The leaf color is most brilliantly pronounced when subjected to “happy environmental stress”. Stress factors include cooler, outdoor night temperatures, full sunlight during the day, and limited watering.
Soil: Hens & Chicks grow best in well-drained, gravelly soil that is not wet in winter. ‘Wet feet’ may cause the plant to rot. A slightly acidic soil is ideal, with a pH between 5.6-6. Try using a cactus or succulent mix that is heavy in perlite, chicken grit, or builder’s sand. Hens & Chicks have shallow root systems that do not require deep soil. They can even grow in rocky, roughy crevices with limited soil. If growing in containers, make sure there is adequate drainage. A porous material like terracotta or hyper-tufa is ideal.
Watering: Hens & Chicks are drought tolerant wonders, requiring limited water, especially in winter. They are succulent in nature, storing water in their leaves. Allow the soil to mostly dry in between watering. A great way to figure out whether you are overwatering is to check the mature outer leaves on the rosettes. If they are slightly transparent or mushy to the touch, back off on watering. If the leaves are crisped and shriveled, your plant may need water.
Temperature: Hens & Chicks can stand a wide range of temperatures, able to grow in USDA hardy zones 4 through 9 (Low extreme temperatures between -25°F and 30°F). They are quite heat tolerant as well, but prefer summer temperatures between 65° and 75°F.
Sempervivum come with so many colors, textures, and form:
