Sempervivum-Hens and Chicks

Propagating Sempervivum or Hens and Chicks is probably the easiest of all perennials. The Chicks grow from the Hens, but not in soil with wet feet, the leaves will rot, so when the off shoots send down roots transplant. They prefer a rocky or gravely soil in full sun or partial shade. They will flower on plants in 3 to 4 years in the fall but then the plant dies. The blooms range from pink to yellow plus there are varieties that seem to have cobwebs growing over the top and leaves that can range in color from lime green to purple/burgundy and only grow to a maximum height of 3”, but will not endure foot traffic, and are deer resistant.