When late autumn rolls around and the chill sets in, most of us are scrambling to get the garden ready for winter. Between digging up bulbs, potting tender plants, and tackling that never-ending pruning list, it’s a busy time! But here’s some good news: there are a few garden rockstars that don’t require any extra work at all. My personal favorite? The Sempervivum, better known as Hens and Chicks.
No Worries in the Garden Bed or Rock Garden
If your Hens and Chicks were happy in their spot during the summer, they’ll be just fine all winter long. These plants love sunny areas, which often means they’re right out in the open, exposed to the wind and snow. But don’t sweat it! Since they originally hail from the rugged mountain regions of the Alps and the Caucasus, these plants are incredibly winter-hardy and tough as nails.
A Little Extra Love for Potted Plants
Now, if you have your Hens and Chicks in containers, you’ll want to take one small precaution: keep those pots off the frozen ground. If the pot sits directly on ice or frozen soil, the roots can get a bit too chilled for comfort. To keep them happy, just prop your pots up on a little insulation. You can use:
- Wood scraps
- Styrofoam
- An old yoga mat or camping pad
If you’re expecting a particularly brutal cold snap, you can even wrap the pots in some garden fleece or an old blanket for extra insulation.
The Real Enemy: Soggy Soil
Believe it or not, freezing temperatures aren’t the biggest threat to your Hens and Chicks—it’s actually a mild, rainy winter. These plants absolutely hate “wet feet.” If they sit in standing water or soggy soil, they’ll start to rot pretty quickly. That’s why it’s super important to make sure their water can always drain away, especially during the wetter months. A well-draining soil mix is your best friend here.
Quick Tips for Success
To keep things dry, I recommend adding a drainage layer of gravel at the bottom of your pots and mixing plenty of sand into your potting soil. An even easier trick? Use shallow containers. Hens and Chicks have very shallow root systems and don’t need much soil at all. In fact, they can grow happily on something as thin as an old roof tile! By keeping the soil volume low, you ensure it dries out faster, keeping your plants rot-free even in a rainy winter.
