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 part. Succulent rosettes; produces 'chicks' that detach and root. Classic between flagstones.
low water2–6 in tall and 6–12 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Sempervivum tectorum
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 2–6 in tall and 6–12 in wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun to part
- 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
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom time
- mid summer
- Pollinator value
- low
- Good for
- between pavers, hellstrip
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 included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a groundcover suited to 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 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.
