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If you have a location that is poor in soil, lacks moisture, is sunny, dry and rocky, then this little succulent is just for it.  It needs very little care except to clear weeds away and sometimes they get surrounded by ants.  When I first laid my eyes on hens and chicks I thought it was more suited for the Arizona zone 8 then 2. But it does well in sandstone and gravel, some soil and good drainage.  These plants make excellent additions to rock gardens and rock walls, can grow on almost any surface, even granite.  Once the plant shoots up, a flower spike blooms.  Then it dies, deadhead the faded flowers, pull up the soft parent plant center core as well.  Remove new rosettes and replant them just by putting stubs into the surface of the soil or gravel.  During the summer it flowers in colours of red, yellow, white and puple.  Ideal planting time is spring, space plants 12 – 24 inches apart for they will soon spread to any available space.  Height is 3 – 6 inches. They can be set in planter display and wall plaques and are problem pest free with a few exception.  I’ve had ants invade a site and rabbits parking on them during the winter.  Failing to provide good drainage may result in problems with rust and root rot.  There are only about half a dozen varieties, each being unique in their display. I recommend them for their ease to grow and care for.

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