Steel Appeal Hens and Chicks

Steel Appeal Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum Chick Charms Giants 'Steel Appeal')

Steel Appeal Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum Chick Charms Giants 'Steel Appeal') is an extraordinary, extra-large succulent with cool silver-gray foliage accented by hints of green and purple. As part of the Chick Charms� Giants series, this variety produces significantly larger rosettes than traditional Sempervivum, making it an impressive statement piece in rock gardens, borders, and container plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Steel Appeal' forms massive, symmetrical rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves in a striking steel-blue hue with subtle green undertones. The color deepens with seasonal changes, occasionally displaying soft lavender or purple highlights. With its vigorous offset production, this variety spreads quickly, creating a dense, weed-suppressing groundcover. In mid-to-late summer, mature rosettes produce tall flower stalks topped with clusters of pink star-shaped blooms, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This variety grows 6 to 8 inches tall and spreads up to 12 inches per rosette, expanding further through offsets.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for the richest foliage color and compact growth.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil; tolerates poor soils.
• Water: Drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal watering.
• Humidity: Prefers dry to moderate humidity; avoid excessive moisture.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9, making it highly adaptable.

Ideal Uses

• Rock Gardens: Provides a cool-toned contrast and structure.
• Green Roofs: Thrives in dry, exposed conditions.
• Groundcover: Forms a dense, low-maintenance carpet.
• Container Plantings: A stunning focal point in patio pots.
• Crevice and Wall Plantings: Perfect for tight spaces with minimal soil.

Low Maintenance Care

Steel Appeal Hens and Chicks is a resilient, easy-care perennial that thrives with minimal attention.

• Watering: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
• Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks and older rosettes as they naturally die off.
• Fertilizing: Minimal fertilization required; thrives in lean soils.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to pests, deer, and rabbits.
• Winter Care: Cold hardy and evergreen; retains its unique color throughout the year.

Why Choose Steel Appeal Hens and Chicks?

Steel Appeal Hens and Chicks offers oversized rosettes, cool silver tones, and effortless care, making it an excellent choice for xeriscapes, borders, and container plantings.

• Large, Steel-Blue Rosettes: Creates a stunning contrast in any garden setting.
• Rapid Offsetting Growth: Quickly fills in spaces.
• Attracts Pollinators: Summer flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies.
• Drought Tolerant: Thrives in dry soils with minimal care.
• Cold Hardy and Evergreen: Maintains structure and color year-round.

For oversized rosettes, unique silver-blue hues, and year-round beauty, Steel Appeal Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum Chick Charms Giants 'Steel Appeal') is an outstanding focal point for rock gardens, xeriscapes, and container plantings.