Sempervivum tectorum

Succulent, evergreen perennial

Year-round, active growth in spring and summer.

Full sun (6+ hours) to partial shade.

60–75°F (15–24°C)

Well-draining, sandy, or rocky/gravelly soil.

Slow. Primarily propagated by offsets (“chicks”) rather than seeds.

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

Low. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Rarely needed. A diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be used in spring.

Mat-forming with rosettes of fleshy leaves that spread horizontally.

2–6 inches (5–15 cm)

6–12 inches (15–30 cm)

6–12 inches apart to allow spreading.

Star-shaped, pink, red, or yellow flowers on tall stalks. Blooms once before dying (monocarpic).

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Rock gardens, ground cover, containers, green roofs

Sedum, echeveria, lavender, thyme, yarrow, yucca

Remove dead flower stalks and dried leaves for a tidy appearance.

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Generally pest-free but can be affected by aphids or mealybugs.

Root rot if overwatered; occasional fungal issues in humid conditions.

Hens and Chicks get their name from their unique growth habit—one large “hen” plant produces multiple smaller “chicks” around it.

This plant is monocarpic, meaning the mother plant dies after flowering, but the surrounding offsets continue growing.