Lucas Delgado
Hens and chicks, also known as house leek, are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow, making them a popular choice for rock gardens. These succulents can be grown from seeds or propagated through division, and they thrive in warm, dry, and sunny conditions with well-drained soil. With their ability to grow in poor soil and small spaces, hens and chicks are well-suited for rock crevices, stone walls, and other areas where other plants may struggle, adding colour and texture to any garden.
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What You'll Learn
Hens and chicks are drought-tolerant and easy to care for
These plants are very low-maintenance and can be left to their own devices for weeks at a time. They are also hardy and can survive in poor soil, full sun, and high temperatures. They do not require rich soil and can grow in gritty, sandy, or gravelly soil, as long as it is well-drained. They are also resistant to many pests.
Hens and chicks can be grown from seeds or offsets (chicks). To grow from seeds, fill a tray or pot with gritty soil, such as cactus mix, and sprinkle the seeds on top. Keep the soil moist until germination, which can take up to five weeks. Transplant the seedlings when they reach about 1 inch in diameter. To grow from offsets, simply detach a chick from the mother plant and plant it in a new location.
Hens and chicks do not require much water and can go weeks without watering once established. In dry, warm climates, they benefit from one watering per week. They are also cold-hardy and can survive freezing temperatures. In fact, snow can insulate them from cold air and wind. However, they do not favour wet winter conditions, so it is important to clean away any ground debris to reduce moisture and prevent rot.
Overall, hens and chicks are a resilient and low-maintenance addition to any rock garden.
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They grow well in poor, gritty, well-drained soil
Hens and chicks are a drought-tolerant species of succulent perennials that can be grown in rock gardens, rock crevices, stone walls, and between stepping stones. They are easy to care for and can survive in poor, gritty, well-drained soil.
These plants can be grown from seeds or propagated through division. To grow hens and chicks from seeds, fill trays or pots with gritty, cactus mix soil, sprinkle the seeds on top, and mist until damp. Keep the soil moist until germination, which can take up to five weeks. After germination, sprinkle some fine gravel around the seedlings to help retain moisture. Transplant the seedlings when they are about an inch in diameter.
To propagate through division, detach the chicks from the mother plant and gently pull them off. Then, snip the root that connects the two and transplant the chicks to a new location. The chicks can be planted in shallow holes, with their roots spread out and covered with gritty soil.
Hens and chicks require little water and can go weeks without it once established. They should be watered lightly and regularly until they are established, and then only about once a week in dry, warm climates. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.
The plants require full sun and well-drained, gritty soil. They should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of full sun daily. In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent poor colouring and spindly growth.
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Plant in spring after the last frost
Planting hens and chicks in a rock garden in spring after the last frost is a great idea. These plants are easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of ways, including in rock gardens, containers, or even indoors. They are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water once established. They are also non-toxic to pets and children.
When planting in spring after the last frost, choose a full-sun location for your hens and chicks. They require at least six hours of full sun daily, but if you live in a hot, dry climate, provide afternoon shade to protect the plant from intense heat. Avoid planting during the heat of summer or in late fall.
Prepare a hole in the ground that is slightly larger than the root ball of your hens and chicks plant. Remember that this plant has shallow roots, so you don't need to dig a deep hole. Position the plant at the same soil line as it was in its container, then backfill the hole with soil and gently press down. Space multiple plants at least 12-18 inches apart as they will spread over time.
Water your newly planted hens and chicks lightly and provide regular water until they are established. They prefer sandy, gravelly, or gritty, well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. If you are planting in a container, use a shallow, well-drained pot with a cactus or succulent mix.
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Propagate by dividing the chicks from the mother plant
The easiest way to propagate hens and chicks is by dividing the chicks from the mother plant. The chicks can be separated from the mother plant at any time. The mother plant, or "hen", is attached to the "chicks" by an underground runner. The chicks can be gently pulled off the mother plant and installed in a new location.
To divide the chicks from the mother plant, choose a rosette that has roots. You can tell by gently digging up the entire plant or leaving it intact and selecting a rosette that is around the edges of the plant but not one of the youngest chicks. Use a sharp knife to slice the rosette off where it attaches to the main rosette. If you want to propagate the cutting, let the cut heal and form a callus. Usually, this means leaving it in a dry place for a few days.
Then, place the young plant in a small (3-inch) pot with gritty, well-drained soil. It should take a few weeks to form roots. The plants require full sun and well-drained, even gritty soil. They can be grown in rock crevices and do not require rich soil; they grow well in poor soil. Water them rarely; too much moisture causes this plant to rot and die.
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Place in a sunny location with afternoon shade in hot climates
When planting hens and chicks in a rock garden, it is important to choose a suitable location that receives ample sunlight, while also considering the need for afternoon shade in hot climates.
Hens and chicks, also known as common houseleek, are succulent perennials that require full sun for optimal growth and health. They thrive in bright light and warm, dry climates. However, if you live in a hot, dry climate, it is advisable to provide some afternoon shade for the plants. This partial shade helps protect the plants from the intense heat and direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
When selecting a location for your rock garden, look for an area that receives at least 6 hours of full sun daily. This ensures that your hens and chicks receive sufficient sunlight to grow well. Avoid planting in freezing temperatures or extreme heat, as this can cause plant shock. Choose a spot that receives morning or late afternoon sun, as the midday sun may be too intense in very hot climates.
By providing afternoon shade in hot climates, you can maintain a balance between giving your hens and chicks enough sunlight while preventing them from scorching or drying out. This shade can be created by nearby structures or larger plants, casting their shadow over the rock garden during the hottest part of the day.
Additionally, when planting hens and chicks in a rock garden, remember that they require well-drained soil and can tolerate poor and dry soil conditions. They are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without watering once established. Space the plants at least 12-18 inches apart, as they will spread over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Place your hens and chicks in a rock garden, stone wall or between paving stones. They need full sun and well-drained, gritty soil.
Plant in spring or late spring after the last frost in your area. Avoid peak summer heat or late fall.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and position the plant at the same soil line as it was in its original pot. Backfill with soil, gently press down and water the plant. Space multiple plants 12-18 inches apart.
Water a few days after planting and then give the plant a deep, slow watering about once a week. They can go weeks without watering once established.
Offsets, or "chicks", can be separated from the mother plant at any time and transplanted to a new location. You can also grow hens and chicks from seed.
