Overwintering guide
How to overwinter hens and chicks
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills hens and chicks in winter
Cutting hens and chicks hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More hens and chicks care
Overwintering hens and chicks — FAQ
Does hens and chicks need to come indoors for winter?
Hens and chicks is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Hens and chicks is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move hens and chicks for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water hens and chicks in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills hens and chicks over winter?
Cutting hens and chicks hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.