Henry’s Black Hens & Chicks (Sempervivum ‘Henry’s Black’)

Henry’s Black Hens & Chicks (Sempervivum ‘Henry’s Black’) is a striking hardy succulent known for its deep burgundy to nearly black rosettes and exceptional cold tolerance. This compact alpine plant forms dense clusters of fleshy rosettes that provide year-round texture and colour in rock gardens, containers, and xeriscape landscapes.

The dramatic dark colouring intensifies in cooler weather and full sun, creating strong contrast against gravel, stone, and lighter foliage plants. Like other hens and chicks varieties, the main “hen” produces offsets or “chicks,” gradually spreading to form dense colonies over time. Its low-growing habit makes it especially useful for alpine troughs, rock walls, and dry landscape designs.

In Alberta, Henry’s Black performs exceptionally well in full sun with sharply drained soil. It is extremely drought-tolerant and highly cold-hardy, thriving in Prairie conditions with almost no maintenance once established.