Botanical Name
Sempervivum- Chick Charms Mint Marvel
Common Name
Sempervivum — Chick Charms (Hens & Chicks series)
Size & Growth
Rosettes 2–4 in wide and 1.5–3 in tall; clumps spread 8–12+ in via offsets. Low, compact habit.
Hardiness Zones
USDA 3–8 (with excellent drainage; can persist in 9 with very dry winters)
Foliage Type
Evergreen to semi‑evergreen succulent rosettes; mint‑green with seasonal pink/rose blush in cool weather.
Bloom Time
Late spring to mid‑summer; starry pink flowers on 6–10 in stalks. Monocarpic rosettes bloom once, then die.
Growth Rate
Moderate; offsets freely in favorable, well‑drained conditions.
Light Requirements
Full sun (6+ hrs) for tight form and best color; provide light afternoon shade in very hot summers.
Attracts Pollinators
Yes—flowers draw bees and beneficial insects in summer.
Indoor Friendly
Short‑term indoors in a very bright, cool window; performs best outdoors year‑round.
Container Friendly
Excellent for troughs, shallow bowls, and mixed succulent planters with gritty soil.
Deer Resistant
Yes—typically avoided by deer and rabbits.
Pet Warning
Non‑toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion of any plant may cause mild stomach upset. Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
Fragrant
No—flowers are not notably fragrant.
Cut Flower
Not a traditional cut flower; rosettes are sometimes used in succulent crafts and living arrangements.
Grows Well With
Sedum, Delosperma (ice plant), Thymus, Armeria, Dianthus, and other alpine/succulent companions in lean, well‑drained soils.
Note: Color intensity varies with season, sun exposure, and temperature; cool nights and bright light enhance rosy tones.
Planting Instructions
Choose a sunny site with sharp drainage; amend heavy soil with grit, coarse sand, or small gravel. Space rosettes 6–8 in apart and top‑dress with gravel to keep leaves dry.
Soil Moisture
Low. Water to establish, then allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid standing water and waterlogged conditions.
Soil Type
Lean, well‑drained, sandy/gritty mix. For containers: ~50–70% mineral grit (pumice/perlite/gravel) with 30–50% coarse potting soil. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH preferred.
Humidity
Prefers dry air and good circulation. Avoid enclosed, humid locations.
Pruning Instructions
Remove dried lower leaves and cut spent bloom stalks. After flowering, detach and discard the spent mother rosette; allow offsets to fill in.
Winter Care
Fully hardy in zones 3–8 with drainage. Keep crowns dry; raise containers on feet and remove saucers. In very wet winters, shelter pots under eaves or a cold frame.
Planting Depth
Set so the base of the rosette sits at or slightly above the soil surface—do not bury leaves. Nestle offsets with their base just touching the soil to root.
Fertilization
Minimal feeding. In spring, apply a very light dose of low‑nitrogen fertilizer (¼ strength) or a pinch of slow‑release. Excess fertilizer softens growth and dulls color.
Special Care
Divide offsets every 2–3 years to refresh clumps. Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat. Monitor for vine weevil and mealybugs; ensure containers have ample drainage holes and a gravel mulch.