Black Hen & Chicks

Plant in spring or fall in well-drained to dry soil in full sun, spacing 6–12 inches apart. Black hen and chicks is a sempervivum with very dark, near-black rosettes with a distinctive, unusual color. It requires excellent drainage and is exceptionally drought tolerant. No soil amendment needed. Water sparingly after planting and reduce further as established. Ideal for rock gardens and containers.

Very little maintenance required. Remove spent flower stalks after the rosette blooms and dies — the surrounding offsets continue to fill in. Divide when clusters become overcrowded. No fertilizing needed. The near-black rosette color is extraordinary and works beautifully in contrast with silver, chartreuse, or brightly colored companion plants. Easy, long-lived, and essentially self-maintaining in appropriate, well-drained conditions. Excellent for year-round interest in rock gardens.