Hen and Chicks, Kalinda

Hen and Chicks 'Kalinda' (Sempervivum 'Kalinda')

'Kalinda' is a striking cultivar of Sempervivum, or hen and chicks, prized for its deep burgundy-red rosettes that develop a rich, velvety tone throughout the growing season. Compact and symmetrical, this cold-hardy succulent spreads slowly by offsets, forming a colorful, evergreen ground cover that performs beautifully in rock gardens, crevice plantings, green roofs, or container arrangements. Its dramatic foliage provides four-season interest, and mature rosettes send up starry pink flower stalks in summer, offering pollinator value as well.

Key Characteristics

• Rich Burgundy Color for Year-Round Interest
  'Kalinda' is known for its intense, moody red coloration, which deepens in full sun and cool temperatures. It brings bold contrast and structure to succulent plantings, alpine gardens, or patio containers.

• Thrives in Rocky, Shallow, and Lean Soils
  Ideal for rock gardens, dry wall crevices, and gravelly paths, 'Kalinda' thrives where other plants struggle. Its shallow roots and drought tolerance make it perfect for low-input landscaping and poor soils.

• Cold-Hardy and Evergreen
  This cultivar is hardy to USDA Zone 3 and maintains its vibrant color and form throughout winter, offering structure and color when most perennials go dormant. An excellent choice for year-round texture in dry or cold-climate designs.

• Pollinator-Friendly Blooms in Summer
  In mid to late summer, mature "hens-- send up stalks topped with star-shaped pink flowers that attract bees and beneficial insects. After blooming, the rosette dies, leaving room for the surrounding chicks to fill in.

• Perfect for Xeriscaping, Containers, and Edging
  Use 'Kalinda' in water-wise gardens, gravel beds, or alpine containers. It's also great for edging herb spirals, pathways, or dryland permaculture beds, where it helps shade soil and prevent erosion.

Product Details

• Native Range: Cultivar of European alpine species
• Plant Life Cycle: Evergreen perennial succulent
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Dry to medium-dry, well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
• Mature Height: 2-4 inches (up to 8 inches with flower stalk)
• Bloom Time: June-August
• Bloom Color: Pink, star-shaped flowers
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

'Kalinda' is a bold, low-maintenance succulent with stunning color, tough adaptability, and pollinator-friendly blooms. Ideal for gardeners designing in dry, sunny spaces or adding year-round structure to rock gardens and containers.