Hens
and Chicks is a low-growing perennial, that is tough, compact, and easy to
grow. It grows to about four inches tall, then will quickly spread to 2' or
more in width. It is a mat-forming succulent that produces clusters of
rosettes. It is grown for its foliage but does flower on a tall flower
stalk.
When
the flowers die, the “hens” will have produced many “chicks” to take their
place. When transplanting, just split off the chickens from the parent plant;
the hens and chicks will root easily.
These
plants require full sun to partial shade and need well-drained soil. In the
South, hens and chicks can thrive in partial shade. Since Hens and Chicks are
drought tolerant, and they can be planted in rock gardens or any hot, dry, sunny
location.
Red
Beauty is a Hens and Chicks plant that has gray-green foliage that is tipped
deep red. Having many smaller rosettes, it can be pulled up and replanted
elsewhere to start new plants. If a ground cover effect is desired, space
plants close together because they grow slowly. 