Species hens and chicks

hens and chicks

Sempervivum 'Black'

Hens and chicks (Sempervivum 'Black') is a mat-forming succulent with sprawling foliage. Each rosette of fleshy leaves is chocolate brown with purple tips that add a hint of color to the lush, dense foliage. Its flowers are typically yellow, white, or pink. These tough plants survive in a variety of growing conditions from full sun to light shade. They are tolerant of cooler temperatures and dry periods, making them great for rock gardens or patio containers. Gardeners love them as a low-maintenance ground cover and drought-tolerant garden feature. With proper care, this species can produce multiple offshoots, creating a denser ground cover.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Leaf Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Whtie Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Hens and chicks (Sempervivum 'Black') should be watered thoroughly and deeply, with 1-2 inches of water every 7-10 days. This drought-tolerant species likes soil that is slightly moist but not wet, and will stop producing new rosettes if its soil is overly wet. During warmer months, it's important to monitor the soil and water when the top couple of inches are dry. During cooler months, reduce watering to approximately once a month and only when the soil feels dry.

sunlight

Hens and chicks (Sempervivum 'Black') are undemanding and hardy succulents that thrive in sunny, well-drained spots in the garden. They need at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth, with a preference for 8 to 10 hours of daily sun. The sun requirement can vary somewhat in accordance with the region's climate and other environmental factors. This species is drought resistant and able to take a certain amount of shade, but it will not flower or produce offsets if it does not receive adequate sunlight.

pruning

The best time to prune Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum 'Black') is in the fall when the new rosette of leaves appears at the center of the plant. Pruning should be done sparingly and when necessary, such as to remove dead or damaged foliage or to shape the plant. To do this, use a pair of sharp scissors or garden shears to snip off the offsets and trim back any excess foliage. Pruning should not be done to aggressively as this could damage the root system and cause stress to the plant. Prune cautiously, removing only the necessary foliage and shaping the plant as desired.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Sempervivum 'Black' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Starts Flowering

Sempervivum 'Black' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Hardiness Map