Hens and Chicks: The Plant, the Story...the Legend!

Hens and Chicks with Sedum Angelina (Stonevrop)

The Plant: Today's feature plant, Hens and Chicks (scientific name Sempervivum) is an easy to grow outdoor succulent that is not only drought tolerant, but cold hardy to USDA zone 6, and the perfect selection for xeriscaping, planting along rock walls, along a pool border, or grown with other succulents for a decorative touch to the garden. While being drought tolerant, these evergreen perennials are also low maintenance, and supply interest throughout the year. Plant Hens and Chicks in a location will full sun and a well-drained soil, and they will thrive. In addition, these evergreen succulents attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. There is some mystery however; where did the name "Hens and Chicks" come from? Why aren’t they referred to as goose and goslings, or pig and piglets or duck and ducklings?

Hens and Chicks Poolside

The Story: Now it is time to solve the mystery! The attention catching name, Hens and chicks, came from the way they propagate. The larger mother plant is called the "hen," and as it multiplies it produces an abundance of tiny offspring through lateral stems, known as "chicks," that sprout up and cluster closely around it. Hens and chicks produce tall, thick stalks crowned with star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in summer that signal the death of the mother plant. This is only part of the life cycle though, as the mother plant has already produced several offspring, and the “chicks” will continue to grow and divide after the “mother” rosette dies. 

Hens and Chicks with Rosettes

The Legend: Being cultivated as far back as ancient Roman times, these plants were grown in vases in at the entry of a home as a symbol for prosperity. There was also a belief that Hens and Chicks would protect against lightning, as their rosette-shaped leaves resembled the bearded, crowned face of the Roman god Jupiter. During the 8th century across Western Europe, Frankish King Charlemagne ordered his subjects to plant Hens and Chicks on their thatched-roof homes as a protection from lightening and possible fire, as their water retaining, fire-resistant leaves acted as an insulator and fire retardant. In European folklore, planting Hens and Chicks near the front door was believed to bring good luck, love, and fertility to the household. Scottish folklore claimed the plant could ward off black sorcery, and in rural areas of Wales and parts of England, the plant was believed to protect against storms, while also welcoming prosperity.

Hens and Chicks Poolside Rock Garden

Overall, these versatile and incredibly hardy succulents are low maintenance, drought tolerant, pollinator friendly, known for surviving freezing temperatures outdoors, and basically thrive on neglect! I hope you enjoyed your visit, and until we meet again...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee Miller @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2026. All rights reserved.

Indoor and Outdoor Gardening With Succulents

Gardening with Succulents

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! If you are looking for a drought tolerant, easy to grow, low maintenance plant for your indoor or outdoor garden, the world of succulents can open up a whole new avenue for you. Over the years as an avid gardener and landscape designer, I have discovered the limitless number of varieties of succulents available in today's market, with many new cultivars emerging yearly. While some of these may already be familiar to you, I am hoping to introduce some new species along the way! 

 Sempervivum Kalinda

The first on the list is Sempervivum Kalinda, also referred to as Hens & Chicks. Hardy in USDA zones 5a-9b, this mat-forming succulent displays tight, evergreen rosettes of apple-green leaves highlighted by a pinkish-red hue at their base.  During summer, showy starry, pink flowers rise on a stalk above the plant. Sempervivum Kalinda prefers to be planted in full sunlight in a well-drained soil and will withstand temperatures to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (28.9 Celsius).

Sedum Nusabaumerianum 

Sedum Nusabaumerianum (otherwise known as Coppertone Sedum) is perfect for a rock garden in warmer climates or can be used as an annual or houseplant in cooler climates. Hardy in USDA zone 10a, this variety of sedum will withstand temperatures at a minimum of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius). Sedum Nusabaumerianum grows to a height and width of 3 inches high by up to 24 inches wide. Plant this variety of sedum in full sun and a well-drained soil. It can easily be propagated through seed, leaf and stem cuttings. 

Sedum morganianum (Burro's Tail)

Sedum morganianum (otherwise known as the donkey tail or burro's tail) is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae, native to southern Mexico and Honduras. This succulent is recognized by its pale blue-green trailing stems which can grow up to 60 centimeters in length and production of  terminal pink to red flowers in summer when grown outside.The leaves overlap on the stems in such a way that they look as though they have been braided, reminiscent of a donkey’s tail, which is how this plant gained its common name. Sedum morganianum is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown in full sun and a well-drained soil indoors or outdoors in warmer climates. Plant in a container to allow the interesting foliage to cascade over the side.

Sempervivum Commander

Sempervivum Commander, another variety of Hens & Chicks is a hardy perennial, cold hardy in USDA zones 4-9. This mat-forming perennial forms attractive purplish-green rosettes on a 4 inch (10 centimeter) wide plant. The mother plant spreads in all directions to produce offsets (chicks). Plant Sempervivum Commander in full sun in a well-drained soil.

Succulent Planter 

Sempervivum and Sedum can be planted outdoors (depending on the species and hardiness) or indoors or in a decorative planter such as the one shown here. This colorful display adds interest on the patio throughout the summer season and can be overwintered indoors in a southern exposure location. The four varieties of Sempervivum and Sedum mentioned above are just a handful of the numerous colorful and low maintenance cultivars available.

Sedum seleboldii 'Mediovariegatum' 

This attractive perennial is Sedum seleboldii 'Mediovariegatum'. Hardy is USDA zones 4-9, this outstanding plant displays slate green foliage with creamy white centers on a 4-inch high by 8-inch wide plant. Plant Sedum seleboldii 'Mediovariegatum' in full sun to partial shade in a fertile, well-drained soil. This low-lying perennial grows as a rounded mound, sending out horizontal branches in all directions from a central crown. Bright pink star-shaped flowers are produced in summer. 

  Sempervivum tectorum (Hens & Chicks)

Sempervivum tectorum (another variety of Hens & Chicks) are a versatile perennial hardy in USDA zones 3-11 that form clusters of rosettes with the parent rosette being the referred to as the "hen" and baby offsets being refereed to as the "chicks". Sempervivum tectorum can be planted in alpine and rock gardens or in a planter as seen here. Plant Hens & Chicks in full sun and in a well-drained soil for best results. In late summer, mature plants will send up stalks of large pink and white blooms.

Succulent Planter

Here is another planter with a variety of succulents for summer interest. I enjoy changing the combinations around each season.

Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' 

Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' produces a low growing carpet of chartruse-yellow needle-like foliage that reaches 4-6 inches high by 1-2 feet wide. Plant Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' is full sun and a well-drained soil. This evergreen groundcover or edging plant is drought tolerant and virtually maintenance free.

Sedum tatarinowii 'Thundercloud'

Sedum tatarinowii 'Thundercloud' is a variety of groundcover sedum I discovered just two years ago. Native to the Far East, Sedum tatarinowii 'Thundercloud' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and displays heavily serrated gray-green foliage with an abundance of white cloud-like blooms in late summer. Plant this perennial in full sun and a well-drained soil in an alpine garden or drought tolerant border. Sedum tatarinowii 'Thundercloud' grows 8-10 inches high by 14-16 inches wide.

Sedum Sunsparkler Lime Twister

This attractive succulent is Sedum Sunsparkler Lime Twister. Sedum Sunsparkler Lime Twister is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and displays a dense carpet of cream and green variegated foliage with rose flower clusters which are produced in late summer. Plant this perennial in full to partial sun in a well-drained soil. Sedum Sunsparkler Lime Twister is suitable for alpine and rock gardens and is known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Succulent Planter

This planter is all about combining shades of green and is awaiting some new additions. Occasionally, I will add cuttings that will quickly root themselves. 

Sedum acre aurea

Sedum acre aurea (also known as Golden Stonecrop) forms a low lying (2-3 inch high) mat of golden foliage that is ideal for planting in crevices and rock gardens. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9b, this perennial will grow in the most adverse conditions, tolerating a range of soil types. Sedum acre aurea thrives in full sun and a well-drained soil and requires little to no maintenance.

Gardening with Succulents

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for October, and be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! (Linking with: Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Ruby Tuesday and Image-in-ing Weekly Photo Link-Up.

For more information on succulents, there is a very informative site called Succulent Market. Visit their various collections and blog for everything you need to know about growing these beautiful plants.

 For gardening info and tips: Visit my Author Page/Purchase My Books  😊

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations
Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener

~As Always...Happy Gardening~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2020. All rights reserved.