Hens and chicks
Sempervivum tectorum
Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2–6 in tall and 6–12 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Succulent rosettes; produces 'chicks' that detach and root. Classic between flagstones.
On the CSU listlow water2–6 in tall and 6–12 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Sempervivum tectorum
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 2–6 in tall and 6–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
- Growth habit
- Clumping
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom time
- mid summer
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Between pavers & flagstones, Hellstrips / parking strips
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using Hens and chicks as a groundcover
Hens and chicks grows in tidy clumps. It fills in loosely, so mulch between plants while it establishes.
Planting & establishment
Bombproof succulent. Drainage matters, never sits in water.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Hens and chicks good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Hens and chicks is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Hens and chicks get?
- It matures to about 2–6 in tall and 6–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Hens and chicks?
- Space Hens and chicks about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Hens and chicks hardy on the Front Range?
- Hens and chicks is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Hens and chicks need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Hens and chicks native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Hens and chicks deer-resistant?
- Hens and chicks is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Hens and chicks a good firewise plant near the house?
- Hens and chicks is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Hens and chicks?
- Hens and chicks isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Will Hens and chicks spread or stay put?
- Hens and chicks is clumping. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Hens and chicks stay green in winter?
- Hens and chicks keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
