Though hens and chicks have been cultivated for centuries, they have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity as gardeners look for easy-care and waterwise plants. Also known as common houseleek, these charming groundcover succulents are especially versatile for small urban spaces, adding color and texture to beds and containers.
The word “sempervivum” means “always alive,” which refers to the plant’s evergreen leaves and its ability to produce new plants, which are called “chicks.” These hardy perennials need little maintenance once established, making them well-suited for those with busy lifestyles.
Fleshy leaves with pointy tips form a symmetrical rosette shape. Colors occur in shades of green, pink, blue, grey, purple, orange, burgundy, and bicolors.
The mother rosette (the hen) blooms bell-shaped flowers on long stems in summer. Once a hen blooms, it sets seed and dies. The individual rosette should be removed, leaving the chicks behind to fill in the space. Flowers occur in sunset hues of yellow, coral, pink, and orange. Blooms will be scant when grown indoors.
Low mounding habit with horizontal offsets. Individual rosettes can grow 1 to 4 inches tall and 2 to 12 inches in diameter. Offsets may reach 14 to 24 inches tall, with clumps of rosettes spreading as much as 24 to 36 inches wide, depending on the variety.
Hens and chicks succulents are safe for kids and pets to eat, but pets may get a mild stomachache if they eat any plant.
Hen and chicken plants, also called hen-and-chicks, are a popular type of succulent that are known for their unique rosette-shaped leaves. A lot of gardeners love these strange plants because they are easy to care for, can survive in dry conditions, and look funny. But what does a hen and chicken plant really look like? Let’s look at the most important physical traits of this plant to help you spot it.
An Overview of Hen and Chicken Plants
The botanical name for hen and chicken plants is Sempervivum tectorum. They belong to the Crassulaceae family and are native to the rocky areas and rooftops of Europe. Hen and chicken plants are evergreen perennials that form mat-like clusters that spread through offsets. Their tight rosettes of fleshy leaves resemble a mother hen surrounded by chicks, giving rise to their common name.
These hardy succulents thrive in full sun and sandy, fast-draining soil. They tolerate drought, heat, cold, and neglect – making them ideal for beginners and busy gardeners. Hen and chicken plants grow outdoors as groundcovers and do well in alpine gardens, rock gardens, containers, and green roofs. They can also be grown as houseplants if given sufficient sunlight.
The Distinctive Physical Features of Hen and Chicken Plants
Rosette-Shaped Foliage
The most recognizable feature of hen and chicken plants is their unique rosette shape. The foliage is composed of tightly packed fleshy leaves that radiate out from a central point to form a circular pattern. The overall shape mirrors that of a rose bloom.
Mature hen and chicken plants form large rosettes that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. These are known as the “hen.” Over time, smaller rosettes called “chicks” emerge around the base of the mother plant. The varying sizes create a charming display.
Thick, Plump Leaves
Hen and chicken leaves are about an inch long and oval to spoon-shaped. The leaves are very thick, full, smooth, and covered in a waxy layer. This enables the leaves to efficiently store water. The fleshy nature gives them an almost plastic-like appearance.
Leaves emerge in shades of green, gray-green, purple, red, pink, yellow or bicolored depending on the cultivar. Their colors become more vibrant when exposed to full sun. Variegated varieties showcase intricate patterns on the leaves.
Compact, Mat-Forming Growth
On their own, hen and chicken rosettes grow just 4-6 inches tall and wide. But over time, they spread via offsets to form dense mats. As the offsets (baby plants) emerge, they remain attached to the mother rosette by an underground stem. This creates the illusion of a hen followed by a trail of chicks. Their growth habit makes them perfect as groundcovers.
Clustered Star-Shaped Flowers
In the summer, hens and chicks that are fully grown may send up thin stalks with groups of pink, red, yellow, or white star-shaped flowers. The flowers have between 6 and 12 thin petals and a light honey scent. However, hen and chickens are primarily grown for their foliage. The flowers are not the main attraction.
Juvenile Forms
When hen and chicken plants are young, they look very different from when they are fully grown. Young plants have leaves that are smooth, round, and fleshy, but they don’t have the clear rosette shape. The leaves lie flat on the ground before taking on their distinctive round shape.
Popular Varieties of Hen and Chicken Plants
There are over 100 named cultivars of Sempervivum tectorum to choose from. Here are some of the most popular varieties for gardens:
- ‘Green Wheel’ – Lime green rosettes age to burgundy red.
- ‘Red Rubin’ – Deep red leaves with pointed tips.
- ‘Oddity’ – Gray-green leaves with unusual purple tips.
- ‘Black’ – Near-black foliage with red highlights.
- ‘Chick Charms’ – Tight rosettes in shades of pink, green and cream.
- ‘Pacific Blue Ice’ – Icy blue-green leaves.
- ‘Desert Bloom’ – Large 10 inch rosettes in purple and green.
- ‘Copper King’ – Brilliant copper-orange leaves.
The color spectrum ranges from greens, grays, blues, pinks, reds, oranges, yellows, and bicolors. There are also unique cultivars with ruffled, hairy, or cobwebbed foliage. By selecting a mix, you can create captivating hen and chicken displays.
Key Takeaways: How to Identify Hen and Chicken Plants
To summarize, here are the signature features that set hen and chicken plants apart:
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Circular rosettes resembling a rose bloom, composed of tightly packed fleshy leaves.
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Smooth, plump, oval-shaped foliage that stores water in its thick leaves.
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Mat-forming habit, spreading via offsets attached to the mother rosette.
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Tiny starry flowers in summer, though grown mainly for the foliage.
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Juvenile plants have rounded, flat leaves before developing the rosette shape.
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Diverse leaf colors and patterns depending on variety – green, gray, purple, red, pink, yellow.
Once you become accustomed to their unique rosette shape and thick water-storing leaves, you’ll be able to easily identify hen and chicken plants. Their distinctive appearance makes them a standout in both outdoor and indoor succulent displays.
HOW TO PLANT HENS & CHICKS
Sempervivum can handle freezing temperatures, and snow can actually insulate them from cold air and wind. Photo by: Maria Nikiforova / Shutterstock.
Hens and chicks can be planted almost anytime. However, avoid planting in freezing temperatures or extreme heat, which can cause plant shock.
Plant in a site that receives at least 6 hours of full sun. In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade. Too much shade will result in poor coloring and spindly growth.
Dig a hole just big enough to accommodate the roots. Place plant in the hole and spread out roots. Cover with soil up to the base of the plant and tamp soil down gently. Take care not to plant too deep. Water lightly and provide regular water until established. Place a thin layer of gravel around the base to help prevent rot.
How to propagate hens and chicks:
- From division: Division is the best way to get more hens and chicks. “Chicks,” which are offsets, can be taken away from the mother plant at any time. You can move the plant to a new spot by cutting the root that runs between the mother plant and the chick.
- From seed: Start seeds in spring or fall. Put cactus mix or other rough soil in trays or pots and sprinkle seed on top. Keep evenly moist until germination (up to 5 weeks). Use fine gravel as mulch to protect seedlings and keep water in the soil. Plant seedlings when they are 1 inch across and have slowly gotten used to the light and temperature outside. You can also spread seeds out in a rock garden or another sunny spot.
How to Care for Hens and Chicks┃Sempervivum Calcareum
FAQ
Do hen and chick plants spread?
Yes, hen and chick plants (Sempervivum) are known for spreading, particularly through their offsets, also known as “chicks”. The “hen” plant sends out runners that carry these offsets. The runners quickly grow roots and grow into new plants.
Do hens and chicken plants like sun or shade?
Grow your hens and chicks plants in full sun (at least six hours daily), which will lead to optimal foliage coloration and plentiful offsets. That being said, the plants can also grow in partial shade, especially if they are being cared for in an especially hot, dry climate.
What do you do with hen and chick plants in the winter?
You can move these plants indoors, like you did, for the winter. Grow them in a sunny window in a cool location. Water thoroughly when the soil dries. Wait until March to fertilize if needed.
What is a hen & chick plant?
This multiplication happens as the “chicks” spread around the “hen. ” Sempervivum ‘Bronco’ is a type of Hens and Chicks plant renowned for its resilience and easy care. This succulent forms rosettes of fleshy leaves with a distinctive bronze coloring.
What do hens and chicks look like?
One of the defining characteristics of Hens and Chicks plants is their rosette-shaped foliage. The leaves are fleshy, thick, and often covered in a waxy coating, which helps to retain moisture in arid conditions. The color of the leaves varies depending on the variety, ranging from shades of green to red, purple, and even silver.
Which perennials look similar to hens and chicks?
Two other perennials closely resemble hens and chicks in both appearance and growing needs: ‘False houseleeks’ (Jovibarbas spp. ). These plants look similar to hens and chicks, but can be distinguished by their lovely fringed petals when in bloom.
What are hen and chicks?
Hen and Chicks are low-maintenance perennial plants. The plant makes small offsets around the base of the mother plant that look like chicks gathered around a hen. This is why they are called “hen and chicks.” These plants are interesting and rarely troubled by pests. They make wonderful houseplants and are suitable to almost any outdoor garden environment, especially the rock garden.
Are there different types of hen & chick plants?
There are quite a few varieties of the hen and chicks plant. Luckily, all are pretty similar in terms of care and growth patterns, but they can vary greatly in appearance.
Where can I buy hen and Chick plants?
Hen and Chicks are readily available at garden centers in the spring. They are often sold featuring several different varieties within the same container.