Hen and chicken plants, also known as hen-and-chicks, are a popular type of succulent known for their distinctive rosette-shaped foliage. These quirky plants have captured the hearts of many gardeners thanks to their low-maintenance nature, drought tolerance, and whimsical appearance. But what exactly does a hen and chicken plant look like? Let’s explore the key physical characteristics of this plant to help you identify it.
An Overview of Hen and Chicken Plants
The botanical name for hen and chicken plants is Sempervivum tectorum. They belong to the Crassulaceae family and are native to the rocky areas and rooftops of Europe. Hen and chicken plants are evergreen perennials that form mat-like clusters that spread through offsets. Their tight rosettes of fleshy leaves resemble a mother hen surrounded by chicks, giving rise to their common name.
These hardy succulents thrive in full sun and sandy, fast-draining soil. They tolerate drought, heat, cold, and neglect – making them ideal for beginners and busy gardeners. Hen and chicken plants grow outdoors as groundcovers and do well in alpine gardens, rock gardens, containers, and green roofs. They can also be grown as houseplants if given sufficient sunlight.
The Distinctive Physical Features of Hen and Chicken Plants
Rosette-Shaped Foliage
The most recognizable feature of hen and chicken plants is their unique rosette shape. The foliage is composed of tightly packed fleshy leaves that radiate out from a central point to form a circular pattern. The overall shape mirrors that of a rose bloom.
Mature hen and chicken plants form large rosettes that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. These are known as the “hen.” Over time, smaller rosettes called “chicks” emerge around the base of the mother plant. The varying sizes create a charming display.
Thick, Plump Leaves
Hen and chicken leaves are oval to spoon-shaped, measuring about 1 inch long. The foliage is incredibly thick, plump and smooth with a waxy coating. This enables the leaves to efficiently store water. The fleshy nature gives them an almost plastic-like appearance.
Leaves emerge in shades of green, gray-green, purple, red, pink, yellow or bicolored depending on the cultivar. Their colors become more vibrant when exposed to full sun. Variegated varieties showcase intricate patterns on the leaves.
Compact, Mat-Forming Growth
On their own, hen and chicken rosettes grow just 4-6 inches tall and wide. But over time, they spread via offsets to form dense mats. As the offsets (baby plants) emerge, they remain attached to the mother rosette by an underground stem. This creates the illusion of a hen followed by a trail of chicks. Their growth habit makes them perfect as groundcovers.
Clustered Star-Shaped Flowers
In summer, mature hen and chicks may send up slender stalks bearing clusters of tiny star-shaped blooms in pink, red, yellow, or white. The flowers have 6-12 delicate petals and a mild honey scent. However, hen and chickens are primarily grown for their foliage. The flowers are not the main attraction.
Juvenile Forms
When hen and chicken plants are in the juvenile stage, they look quite different from mature rosettes. Young plants have smooth, rounded, and fleshy leaves without the defined rosette shape. The leaves lay flat against the ground before developing their signature circular form.
Popular Varieties of Hen and Chicken Plants
There are over 100 named cultivars of Sempervivum tectorum to choose from. Here are some of the most popular varieties for gardens:
- ‘Green Wheel’ – Lime green rosettes age to burgundy red.
- ‘Red Rubin’ – Deep red leaves with pointed tips.
- ‘Oddity’ – Gray-green leaves with unusual purple tips.
- ‘Black’ – Near-black foliage with red highlights.
- ‘Chick Charms’ – Tight rosettes in shades of pink, green and cream.
- ‘Pacific Blue Ice’ – Icy blue-green leaves.
- ‘Desert Bloom’ – Large 10 inch rosettes in purple and green.
- ‘Copper King’ – Brilliant copper-orange leaves.
The color spectrum ranges from greens, grays, blues, pinks, reds, oranges, yellows, and bicolors. There are also unique cultivars with ruffled, hairy, or cobwebbed foliage. By selecting a mix, you can create captivating hen and chicken displays.
Key Takeaways: How to Identify Hen and Chicken Plants
To summarize, here are the signature features that set hen and chicken plants apart:
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Circular rosettes resembling a rose bloom, composed of tightly packed fleshy leaves.
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Smooth, plump, oval-shaped foliage that stores water in its thick leaves.
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Mat-forming habit, spreading via offsets attached to the mother rosette.
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Tiny starry flowers in summer, though grown mainly for the foliage.
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Juvenile plants have rounded, flat leaves before developing the rosette shape.
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Diverse leaf colors and patterns depending on variety – green, gray, purple, red, pink, yellow.
Once you become accustomed to their unique rosette shape and thick water-storing leaves, you’ll be able to easily identify hen and chicken plants. Their distinctive appearance makes them a standout in both outdoor and indoor succulent displays.
HOW TO PLANT HENS & CHICKS
Sempervivum can handle freezing temperatures, and snow can actually insulate them from cold air and wind. Photo by: Maria Nikiforova / Shutterstock
Hens and chicks can be planted almost anytime. However, avoid planting in freezing temperatures or extreme heat, which can cause plant shock.
Plant in a site that receives at least 6 hours of full sun. In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade. Too much shade will result in poor coloring and spindly growth.
Dig a hole just big enough to accommodate the roots. Place plant in the hole and spread out roots. Cover with soil up to the base of the plant and tamp soil down gently. Take care not to plant too deep. Water lightly and provide regular water until established. Place a thin layer of gravel around the base to help prevent rot.
How to propagate hens and chicks:
- From division: The easiest way to propagate hens and chicks is through division. Offsets, known as “chicks” can be separated from the mother plant at any time. Snip the root that runs between the mother plant and chick and transplant to a new location.
- From seed: Start seeds in spring or fall. Fill trays or pots with gritty soil such as cactus mix and sprinkle seed on top. Keep evenly moist until germination (up to 5 weeks). Apply a mulch of fine gravel to protect seedlings and retain moisture. Transplant when seedlings are 1 inch across, after gradually acclimating to outdoor light and temperature. Seeds can also be broadcast into a rock garden or other sunny site.
How to Care for Hens and Chicks┃Sempervivum Calcareum
FAQ
Do hen and chick plants spread?
Yes, hen and chick plants (Sempervivum) are known for spreading, particularly through their offsets, also known as “chicks”. These offsets grow on runners that emerge from the main plant (the “hen”), and they readily root to form new plants.
Do hens and chicken plants like sun or shade?
Grow your hens and chicks plants in full sun (at least six hours daily), which will lead to optimal foliage coloration and plentiful offsets. That being said, the plants can also grow in partial shade, especially if they are being cared for in an especially hot, dry climate.
What do you do with hen and chick plants in the winter?
You can move these plants indoors, like you did, for the winter. Grow them in a sunny window in a cool location. Water thoroughly when the soil dries. Wait until March to fertilize if needed.
What is a hen & chick plant?
This multiplication happens as the “chicks” spread around the “hen.” Sempervivum ‘Bronco’ is a type of Hens and Chicks plant renowned for its resilience and easy care. This succulent forms rosettes of fleshy leaves with a distinctive bronze coloring.
What do hens and chicks look like?
One of the defining characteristics of Hens and Chicks plants is their rosette-shaped foliage. The leaves are fleshy, thick, and often covered in a waxy coating, which helps to retain moisture in arid conditions. The color of the leaves varies depending on the variety, ranging from shades of green to red, purple, and even silver.
Which perennials look similar to hens and chicks?
Two other perennials closely resemble hens and chicks in both appearance and growing needs: ‘False houseleeks’ (Jovibarbas spp.). These plants look similar to hens and chicks, but can be distinguished by their lovely fringed petals when in bloom.
What are hen and chicks?
Hen and Chicks are low-maintenance perennial plants. They are called ‘hen and chicks’ because the plant produces small offsets around the base of the mother plant, which resemble chicks clustered around a hen. These plants are interesting and rarely troubled by pests. They make wonderful houseplants and are suitable to almost any outdoor garden environment, especially the rock garden.
Are there different types of hen & chick plants?
There are quite a few varieties of the hen and chicks plant. Luckily, all are pretty similar in terms of care and growth patterns, but they can vary greatly in appearance.
Where can I buy hen and Chick plants?
Hen and Chicks are readily available at garden centers in the spring. They are often sold featuring several different varieties within the same container.