The Chick Charms® Gold Dust Hens and Chicks show off changing, vivid colors all year round. Bright golden-yellow tones in the spring slowly transition into deep orange by summer and continue to evolve into a dark red by winter. A flower stalk rises from the center of the rosette in the summer, and pink flowers bloom. Also known as Sempervivum ‘Gold Dust’ PPAF, the plump succulent foliage is winter hardy and low maintenance.
Feature this mat-forming plant in a rock garden or at the front of a mixed planting or border. The Gold Dust Hens and Chicks thrive in dry conditions, so ensure their companions have similar care needs. They also grow well in a container, which not only affords flexible placement options but also allows you to enjoy the uniquely variegated foliage up close. Grow the Chick Charms® Gold Dust as a perennial in zones 3 through 8.
Chick Charms® Gold Dust Hens and Chicks Care
Full sun and well-drained soil are necessary for Chick Charms® Gold Dust to thrive. The soil can be poor quality or have limited organic content, but a sandy mix that drains excess water is best. Only water when the soil is dried, as these succulents do not tolerate wet feet. An application of diluted fertilizer in the spring encourages new growth.
The ‘hens’ are short lived and die after flowering, but they send out offshoots (chicks) first. Remove dead hens to give the offshoots room to grow. Hens and chicks are winter hardy and can survive chilly weather, but make sure they are in a dry area. Lingering moisture at any time of year, but especially winter, is damaging.
Chick Charms® Gold Dust Hens and Chicks Spacing
The evergreen rosettes of the Gold Dust Hens and Chicks reach 2 to 3 inches tall and 5 to 6 inches wide. Space plants 5 inches apart to create a full and continuous planting.
Chick Charms® Gold Dust Hens and Chicks Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8
Plant Type: Perennials
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
