Grow Sempervivum succulent plants in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. In the South, Sempervivum Hens and Chicks can profit from partial shade. The rosettes die after flowering but are replaced by new rosettes on lateral runners. Sempervivum is an old-time favorite used in concrete planters on either side of the front entry or as a great ground cover plant. Great in window boxes or niches. It needs little water or attention to thrive making it perfect for xeriscape rock gardens where water conservation is a priority.

Sempervivum | hens and chicks

How to grow Sempervivum

Sow indoors in peat pots. Use a well-draining starter mix and press the seeds into the mix. Cover the seed very lightly with peat moss as the seeds need light to germinate. Keep seeds moist but not wet. If germination does not occur within 3 weeks, seal peat pots inside a zip-lock bag with plenty of air and refrigerate for 1 - 2 weeks Following the cold treatment, place the pots back in 70 - 75F temperatures. A cold treatment is not usually needed, but sometimes is needed to break germination

• Sowing Rate: Approximately 1000 seeds covers 20 square feet
• Average Germ Time: 7 - 21 days
• Moisture: Keep seeds slightly moist but not wet until germination
• Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 5.5 - 7.0
• May require cold treatment

Plant Specifications

Sempervivum is an easy to grow evergreen perennial perfect for xeriscaping, in a mixed perennial border, or grown with other Mediterranean herbs. They are hardy to USDA Zone 6 and bloom all summer long with fragrant musky foliage. Hens and Chicks have been cultivated as far back as ancient Roman times. Romans grew them in vases in front of their houses.

• Height: 2 - 4 inches
• USDA Zones: 3 - 10
• Season: Perennial
• Deer Resistant: Yes 

Sempervivum (Sempervivum tectorum) - Also called: Common Houseleek, Hens and Chicks, House Leek, or Roof House Leek. Grown it in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. While it will tolerate some light shade, it will need some afternoon shade in extremely hot sunny locations. It thrives in sandy or gravelly soils and will tolerate poor soils and some drought. To perform well it needs sharp soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Plants spread by offsets to form colonies. The original rosette is referred to as the hen, the offsets from that rosette are called the chick. Individual rosettes die after bloom and should be removed from the garden at that time. This plant is moderately salt tolerant.

Sempervivum is often used in rock gardens, as a border front, in rock crevices, along stone walls, as a small area ground cover, and as an edging or foundations. They also make terrific container plants planted indoors or outdoors. Try planting them in a rock wall, with the plants tucked into the crevices which provides a good balance of drainage, radiant heat, and protect the plant's roots at the same time. Hens and chicks are at their best when planted in groups or massed as a ground cover.