Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) are highly resilient succulents known for their rosette-forming habit. Their Latin name translates to “always living,” describing their persistent nature. They are a popular choice for rock gardens and containers due to their minimal care requirements. Yes, they reliably return every year, though their method of renewal is unique.
The Perennial Nature of Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum is classified as a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two growing seasons. These are hardy succulents, possessing a remarkable ability to survive cold and freezing conditions. They are notable for their frost tolerance, surviving in climates as cold as USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.
The plant survives winter by entering a dormant state, where its fleshy, tightly packed leaves protect the central growth point. This hardiness sets them apart from more tender succulents, such as Echeveria. While the individual mother plant, or “hen,” has a limited lifespan, its constant production of new offsets, or “chicks,” ensures the colony itself is practically immortal.
Understanding the Monocarpic Life Cycle
The perennial nature of Hens and Chicks is supported by a monocarpic life cycle. Monocarpic means the individual rosette flowers only once in its life and then dies shortly after setting seed. This explains why a gardener might observe a single rosette disappearing.
The flowering event is signaled by the “hen” rosette growing a thick, leafy stalk that can rise 8 to 12 inches high. This stalk is topped with star-shaped flowers, often in shades of pink, red, or purple, that bloom in the summer. Once the rosette completes flowering and seed production, the original hen dies. However, before dying, the hen produces numerous small offsets, or chicks, which are established clones ready to continue the colony.
Essential Conditions for Winter Survival
While Sempervivum is extremely cold-hardy, its vulnerability lies in the combination of cold and excessive moisture. The primary requirement for winter survival is providing sharp, excellent drainage. The plant’s natural habitat is rocky, gritty mountain slopes where water quickly drains away.
To replicate this, Hens and Chicks must be planted in soil that contains a high percentage of non-organic material, such as coarse sand, pumice, or gravel. Heavy clay soils or areas prone to standing water will lead to the plant’s demise through crown or root rot, especially when the soil freezes. Established plants can withstand temperatures down to -20°F or lower if they remain relatively dry. Planting them in a well-drained rock garden, on a slope, or in containers helps ensure their longevity.
Propagating New Growth from Offsets
The “chicks” are small, fully formed rosettes that grow from the mother plant on short, horizontal stems called stolons. These offsets are miniature clones that will eventually develop their own root systems and become independent plants.
Propagation often occurs naturally as the stolons wither and the chicks root nearby. To intentionally start a new plant, the chick can be gently twisted or cut away from the mother plant, ideally in the spring or early summer. After being allowed to dry and heal, or “callous,” for a day or two, the small rosette can be placed on well-draining soil and lightly pressed in.