Jeff & Konnor's Blog

We love "hens and chicks," and we have perhaps a dozen varieties in the yard. The name comes from the fact that the plant (hen) sends up smaller versions of itself (the chicks) all around it. These eventually root and become their own plants. Good thing too, since the main plant then flowers and dies. The scientific name of one variety, Sempervivum tectorum, is Latin for "always living" and "roof," since back in the days of the European thatched roof, these were planted on the roof to help stop the spread of fires. These days, they are good for crevices, rock gardens, and just about anywhere. They are extremely drought tolerant and hardy to about -30.