Rock gardens are having a major moment right now, and it’s easy to see why. When they’re done right, they bring a beautiful sense of harmony to your yard without demanding hours of upkeep. But here’s the catch: not every plant is cut out for life among the rocks. If you’re looking for the ultimate rock garden MVP, look no further than the Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum).
A Low-Maintenance Dream
Hens and Chicks are the definition of “low maintenance.” These hardy little succulents don’t need much in the way of nutrients, and they’re definitely not thirsty plants. Because they thrive in poor soil, planting Hens and Chicks in those sparse, rocky spots where other plants struggle is actually the perfect move.
Say Goodbye to Soggy Roots
One of the biggest perks of a rock garden for these plants is the drainage. While Hens and Chicks can handle a long drought like a pro, they absolutely hate “wet feet.” Too much standing water is usually their downfall. In a well-designed rock garden, excess water naturally drains away and seeps into the ground, keeping your plants happy and rot-free.
Planting Directly on Stone
When it comes to styling your rock garden, you’ve got some cool options. The simplest way is to plant them directly onto a stone. You’ll just need a few large rocks with some natural nooks or crannies. Even though Hens and Chicks have very shallow root systems and don’t need much dirt, they still need *some* substrate to hang onto. If your soil is well-draining, you can also tuck them into the gaps between larger boulders for a natural, tucked-in look.
Get Creative with Your Layout
Don’t be afraid to mix things up by adding containers to your rock garden. Since these plants keep their roots close to the surface, you can get really creative—think about planting them on old roof tiles for a rustic, vintage vibe. Just a pro tip: if you’re planting them directly in the ground and your soil is a bit heavy, make sure to add a drainage layer first to keep things airy.
When planting Hens and Chicks on stone, just keep these quick tips in mind:
- If you’re planting directly on a rock, stick to larger stones with enough surface area.
- Always position them so that water can easily flow away from the plant.
- Make sure your soil or substrate is extra gritty and well-draining.
