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 Montanum) - Commonly known as Mountain Hens and Chicks, this ground cover plant can be grown from Sempervivum seeds. Hens and Chicks is a hardy perennial with many small, succulent tight rosettes 2 - 3 inches in diameter all crowded together forming a clump. The rosettes produce many offsets, and the clump can grow over time. Hens and Chicks flowers are in clusters and are reddish-purple and star-shaped. The flowers rise up on short stalks in early summer. Grow Sempervivum succulent plants in sun or light shade and in a sandy well-drained soil. Avoid watering the Mountain Sempervivum excessively, always leaving the soil dry for a few days between waterings. Mountain Hens and Chicks work well in rock gardens, containers, and as a general ground cover plant. They are hardy below 0F and listed to USDA zone 4. Sempervivum Montanum plants are evergreen requiring very little maintenance to thrive.

Sow Hens and Chicks seeds indoors in peat pots. Use a well-draining starter mix and press the Sempervivum seeds into the mix. Cover the seed very lightly with peat moss as the Hens and Chicks ground cover seeds need light to germinate. Keep seeds moist but not wet.