The color of Silverine Hens and Chicks are varied and tend to change with the temperature and seasons. The new growth of the center is green and ages to a lovely dusty silver. As the temperatures fall in the autumn all of the fleshy leaves take on a dusky rose hue. The blooms are a vivid pink that lasts through summer. The dense, low growth habit of Sempervivum ‘Silverine’ makes it a natural as a ground cover in hard to plant sunny spots.
The dense whorls of fleshy leaves stay at a very low 3-4 inches tall while spreading anywhere from 4-12 inches. Hen and Chicks are easy to divide and will multiply quickly. The hardiness zone for these succulents is 3-8, which means just about any gardener can have at least a container of these sun lovers. Drought tolerance is very high. The only irrigation Hens and Chicks need after establishing, is during extremely hot spells or long dry periods. Sempervivum are native to the mediterranean area of southern Europe and will tolerate very poor draining soil along with long periods of drought.
Silverine Hens and Chicks Care
Hens and Chicks prefer extremely well draining soil that is close to neutral 7.0pH is ideal, but will tolerate 6.0- 8.0. Watering is very minimal after the plant is established. If Hens and Chicks are planted in a container, watering will need to be done more often and the container needs to have excellent drainage. Fertilizing is not often needed. Silverine will take all of the sun you can give it.
Very little maintenance needs to be done for Hens and Chicks. Deadheading of the spent flower bloom will keep it looking tidy. Pulling off of any dead leaves after the winter may be necessary. Dividing is a snap. The new baby plants, called ‘Pups’, form on short runners. They can be cut off the main plant and placed in their own pot or spread out to increase coverage in the ground.
Silverine Hens and Chicks Spacing
Spacing of Sempervivum is different depending on if they are grown in the ground or a container. Container spacing is not important. The closer you can put them the better. Sempervivum in the ground will benefit from a 6-8 inch spacing, allowing the pups to spread and take root easily.
Silverine Hens and Chicks Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8
Plant Type: Perennials
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height: 3 – 4 Inches
Mature Spread: 4 – 12 Inches
Spacing: 4 – 12 Inches
Habit: Spreading, Trailing
Flower Color(s): Pink
Flower Description: Clusters Of Deep Pink
Bloom Period: Mid-Summer
Foliage Type: Variegated
Foliage Color(s): Green, Purple
Foliage Description: Silvery Green
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering
Watering: Average
Resists: Deer, Rabbit
Tolerates: Heat, Drought
Attracts: Butterflies
Container Role:
Uses: Borders, Containers, Edging, Groundcovers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens
