Are you looking for unique and colorful plants to add to your garden? Look no further than Sempervivum, also known as Hens & Chicks. These versatile succulents can transform your outdoor space with their vibrant colors and fascinating growth patterns. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about these captivating plants.
Appearance
Sempervivum are true chameleons when it comes to color. Throughout the seasons, they can change hues significantly, surprising you with a fresh look every month. From deep reds and blues to vibrant purples and bronzes, their leaves put on a show. Some varieties even feature two-tone shading or sharply contrasting leaf tips. If you prefer more consistent year-round color, consider Sempervivum heuffelii.
These plants form rosettes ranging from a mere 0.25″ to an impressive 10.0″ in diameter. The name “Hens & Chicks” refers to how a mother rosette produces new offsets on stolons, creating dense colonies that spread like a ground cover mat.
The foliage of Sempervivum is equally captivating. Leaves can be glossy, velvety, webbed, or tufted, adding texture and interest to your garden. Some cultivars even have fine cilia lining their leaves, giving them a delightful furry appearance.
After a few years, Sempervivum will surprise you with delicate, star-shaped flowers. However, this marks the end of their life cycle. The mother rosette, known as the hen, will send up a bloom stalk adorned with pink, red, or yellow flowers. These blooms can reach impressive heights of over 2.0′ and last for 2-4 weeks. Although the hen will pass away after flowering, the surrounding chicks will continue to grow in the vacant space.
Care
Taking care of Sempervivum is relatively easy, making them perfect for both experienced gardeners and beginners. Here are some essential care tips to keep in mind:
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Light: Sempervivum thrive in morning sun and afternoon shade in most climates. While they can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, providing extra shade when temperatures exceed 85F will help them look their best. Keep in mind that they can withstand high temperatures or full sun, but not both simultaneously.
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Soil: These succulents originate from alpine habitats and prefer a lean, gritty soil. Opt for cactus/succulent potting mix or sandy loam. Fertilization is not necessary, but using a slow-release, low-nitrogen (5-10-10) fertilizer in the spring can encourage faster growth.
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Water: Sempervivum thrives with deep, infrequent watering. Allow the soil to completely dry between soakings. Watering frequency will vary depending on your location. When establishing young plants, water around 2-3 times a week, while mature plants only need watering 1-2 times a month during the growing season. In winter, reduce watering to 1-2 times a month, or skip it entirely if the temperature drops below freezing. It’s best to use pots with drainage holes for container plantings.
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Hardiness: Sempervivum are frost hardy down to -20F (zone 5), making them suitable for succulent lovers in most regions. For optimal winter protection, ensure they are covered under a blanket of snow. If snow is not present, use clear covers or bring containers indoors to prevent rot.
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Propagation: Sempervivum don’t require much propagation maintenance. However, for gardeners looking to multiply their colonies, it’s easy to dig up rosettes or cut new offsets from stolons. Plant them in partial sun with well-draining soil, and they will quickly re-establish themselves.
Notes from the Nursery
Here at the nursery, we have a special love for Sempervivum. These remarkable succulents were the plants that started our journey over two decades ago, and they remain our most popular plants to this day. We are confident that they will bring joy and beauty to your garden, just as they have done for us.
Growing Sempervivum is a rewarding and low-effort experience, especially if you choose a spot with sufficient light and good drainage. Even if you encounter any issues along the way, these forgiving plants often bounce back. That’s why they have the fitting Latin name Sempervivum, which translates to “always alive.”
For further reading, we recommend checking out the excellent book “Sempervivum: A Gardener’s Perspective on the Not-So-Humble Hens-and-Chicks” by hybridizer Kevin Vaughn.
