Sempervivum Carmen (Hens and Chicks)

Sempervivum ‘Carmen’ (Hens & Chicks) is a mat-forming succulent perennial forming attractive, evergreen rosettes, 5 in. wide (12 cm), of thick, fleshy, emerald green leaves adorned with bright red tips. In winter, the rosette turns a charming violet-purple. In summer, a thick flowering stalk arises from the center of the hen rosette and bears showy starry, pinkish white flowers. Cute, but tough, this Sempervivum is tolerant of heat, humidity, drought and shade.

Sempervivum 'Carmen' (Hens & Chicks) is a mat-forming succulent perennial forming attractive, evergreen rosettes, 5 in. wide (12 cm), of thick, fleshy, emerald green leaves adorned with bright red tips. In winter, the rosette turns a charming violet-purple. The mother rosette (Hen) spreads in all directions by horizontal stems to form offsets (chicks). Each offset will develop roots of its own and become independent of the parent plant as the connecting stolon withers. In summer, a thick flowering stalk arises from the center of the hen rosette and bears showy starry, pinkish white flowers. Sempervivums are monocarpic: they die after flowering. However, the offsets (or 'chicks') they produce usually make up for the losses and fill the gaps left by the dead rosettes. Cute, but tough, this Sempervivum is tolerant of heat, humidity, drought and shade.

  • Grows up to 2-6 in. tall (5-15 cm) and 9-12 in. wide (22-30 cm). Will spread by offsets to form colonies
  • Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Tolerates poor soils and thrives in sandy or gravelly soils. Excellent drainage is required. Drought tolerant.
  • Surprisingly cold hardy, Sempervivums need little maintenance once established, like many cacti and succulents, and will survive near total neglect!
  • Excellent for dry stony places, Sempervivums are great in cracks in dry stone walls, at the front of beds and borders, or as a small area groundcover. They look splendid in rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as edging plant or in decorative trough and containers! Best when planted in groups or intermingled in mosaics.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Watch for rust, leaf rot and root rot
  • Propagate by offsets in spring
  • Native to Southern Europe and Western Asia.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus – Succulents, Perennials
Plant Family Sempervivum – Hens & Chicks
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 2"
– 6"
(5cm
– 15cm)
Spread 9"
– 1'
(22cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 9″
– 12″
(22cm
– 30cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden