Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum) can be planted directly into the ground, where they often thrive best. These hardy, low-growing, mat-forming succulents are exceptionally resilient, which is reflected in their botanical name translating to “live forever.” They are well-suited for ground planting, particularly in dry, challenging areas where other plants might struggle.
Essential Environmental Needs
Success begins with creating the correct soil environment, as excellent drainage is the most important factor. Sempervivum is an alpine plant, naturally adapted to rocky, lean soils. Planting them directly into heavy, moisture-retaining native soil, such as clay, will lead to root rot and failure.
Amend the planting area by incorporating materials that promote sharp drainage, allowing water to pass through quickly. A successful mixture involves mixing the native soil with inorganic material like coarse horticultural grit, sharp sand, pumice, or perlite. This creates a lean, porous medium that prevents the roots from sitting in prolonged moisture.
These succulents perform best with full sun exposure for at least six hours daily, which encourages tight, vibrant rosettes and the best foliage color. While they tolerate light shade, too little sun causes rosettes to become looser and less colorful. Established plants are cold hardy and easily withstand winter frosts and sub-zero temperatures.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
The ideal time for transplanting Hens and Chicks is during the milder temperatures of spring or early fall. Avoid planting during extreme heat or when the ground is frozen, which causes unnecessary stress. To plant, gently remove the rosette from its container and carefully loosen the roots.
Dig a shallow hole in your prepared, gritty soil, making it just deep enough to accommodate the root system. Shallow planting is paramount because the crown—where the leaves meet the roots—should be set at or slightly above the surrounding soil level. Burying the crown can trap moisture and quickly lead to rot.
Space the “hens,” or mother rosettes, four to eight inches apart, depending on the variety’s mature size. This spacing provides room for the developing “chicks” to emerge and establish roots without crowding. After positioning the plant, gently backfill the hole with amended soil, firm it lightly, and apply a thin layer of gravel or grit as a top dressing.
Post-Planting Care and Spread
Immediately after transplanting, provide a single, light watering to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Once established, Sempervivum requires very little supplemental water, as they are highly drought-tolerant. The most common mistake is overwatering, so allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
Established plants rarely require fertilization; rich soil or excessive nutrients promote weak, soft growth and diminish vibrant coloration. If feeding is necessary, use a very dilute, balanced liquid fertilizer or a controlled-release formula just once at the start of the spring growing season.
The mother rosette, or “hen,” produces numerous small offsets, or “chicks,” connected by short, horizontal stems called stolons. These chicks root themselves into the surrounding soil, gradually forming a dense mat or cluster. The hen rosette is monocarpic, meaning it produces a tall flower stalk once in its life and dies after seeding, but the surrounding chicks quickly fill the resulting gap.