Hens and Chicks
What: The beloved Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) forms tight, symmetrical rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves that spread by producing numerous smaller offsets (“chicks”) around the parent plant (“hen”). This extraordinarily tough succulent features foliage that emerges green and matures to rusty red, with pretty pink star-shaped flowers appearing on tall stalks in summer.
Best use: Hens and Chicks thrives in rock gardens, between stepping stones, in containers, and even in dry walls where few other plants can survive. It’s perfect for border edging, alpine gardens, and xeriscaping applications due to its extreme drought tolerance. The plant’s compact size and spreading habit make it ideal for filling gaps in difficult growing areas.
Plant Details
| Height | 3–4 inches (10 inches with flowers) |
| Spread | 4–12 inches |
| Hardiness Zone | 4 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Dry to average; very well-drained soil; drought-tolerant |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Bloom Time | Early to late summer |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Uses | Rock/alpine gardens, border edging, containers, general garden use |




