Sempervivum tectorum

Hens and chicks are a succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae, native to the mountains of southern Europe.  It is cultivated in the whole of Europe for its unique geometric fleshy appearance. Sempervivum is Latin for "live forever," which refers to the offsets that are produced easily, spreading the plant. The species epithet is Latin for "of roofs" and references the habit of growing this plant on roofs, which stems from a Roman tradition claiming that it protects buildings against lightning strikes.

Grown it in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. While it will tolerate some light shade, it will need some afternoon shade in extremely hot sunny locations.  It thrives in sandy or gravelly soils and will tolerate poor soils and some drought.  To perform well, it needs sharp soil drainage. Avoid overwatering. Plants spread by offsets to form colonies. The original rosette is referred to as the hen; the offsets from that rosette are called the chick.  Individual rosettes die after bloom and should be removed from the garden at that time.  This plant is moderately salt tolerant.

It is often used in rock gardens, as a border front, in rock crevices, along stone walls, as a small area ground cover, and as an edging or foundations. Makes an excellent container plant.  Try planting them in a rock wall, with the plants tucked into the crevices which provides a good balance of drainage, radiant heat, and protect the plant's roots at the same time.  Hens and chicks are at their best when planted in groups or massed as a ground cover.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Overwatering can lead to crown rot, allow plants to dry out between watering. 

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti," a plant identification course created in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Sempervivum.