Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)

Hens and Chicks, (Sempervivum tectorum) also known as House Leeks, are a fun and easy plant to grow indoors and out. They are considered a hardy succulent and make great container plants. Above you can see one that grows happily in my east facingĀ  living room window. The main plant known as the hen, is roset shaped and produces many offsets or chicks around the central evergreen plant. Chicks are attached to the mother plant by underground runners. Continue reading

Sempervivum ‘Commander Hay’ Hens and Chicks

 

Sempervivum Commander Hay succulent Hens and chicks

A Sempervivum ‘Commander Hay’ was the second Sempervivum I added to my collection. There are approximately 40 varieties, so I have a long way to go. I wrote about my first Sempervivum in Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’ Hen and Chicks.

Commander Hay forms large 4 inch rosettes. When the plant is old enough to flower, the rosette will produce a long stem with star-like pink flowers. Once the rosette produces flowers it dies off, but not to worry, because baby offsets continually form on the plant’s base. You can see these offsets in the photo below. Continue reading