Also known as Hens and Chicks · 333 gardener saves
Sempervivum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Sempervivum, the genus most gardeners know as hens and chicks. We track 12 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Sempervivum varieties
Of 12 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedHens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum 'Mix'
#2 most savedCobweb Houseleek
Sempervivum tectorum 'Cobweb'
#3 most savedHens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum 'Hens and Chicks'
Dynamo Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum 'Dynamo Hens n Chicks'
Sempervivum Red Beauty
Sempervivum x hybrida 'Red Beauty'
Black Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum 'Black'
Forest Frost Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum 'Forest Frost'
Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum 'Peggy'
Coral Red Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum 'Coral Red'
Green Wheel Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum 'Green Wheel'
Carmen Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum 'Carmen'
Gold Nugget Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum 'Gold Nugget'
How to grow Sempervivum
What the Sempervivum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 12 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Sempervivum year
- PropagateMarch, April, May, June, July and September92% of varieties
Gently detach offsets ('chicks') and replant them immediately
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March92% of varieties
Remove any dead or rotting leaves/rosettes from winter moisture
- PlantMarch, April, September and October58% of varieties
Plant offsets or new plants in very gritty, well-drained soil
- DeadheadJune–August58% of varieties
Cut off the entire flower stalk after blooming; the parent rosette will die
Do
- Water only when soil is completely dry 🌱
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Remove dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth
- Ensure plenty of sunlight for vibrant coloration 🌞
- Water only when soil is completely dry ❌
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t use heavy clay soil that retains moisture
- Avoid overwatering; succulents are drought-tolerant ❌
What goes wrong with Sempervivum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony spots on leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water |
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide |
| Fungal spots | Spots on leaves with fuzzy growth | Apply a fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Sempervivum
Offsets
- Gently remove offsets from the parent plant.
- Plant them in well-draining soil.
- Water lightly after planting.
- Allow roots to establish for 4-6 weeks.
Leaf cuttings
- Select healthy leaves and let them callus for 2 days
- Place leaves on soil surface without burying
- Mist lightly every few days to keep humidity
- Roots and new rosettes form in 2-4 weeks
- Transplant to individual pots once rooted
Sempervivum questions
How many types of Sempervivum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 12 distinct Sempervivum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 333 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Sempervivum grow in?
Across its varieties, Sempervivum covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sempervivum bloom?
Most Sempervivum varieties bloom in summer, late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sempervivum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Design with Sempervivum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
