Botanical Name: Sempervivum ‘Kalinda’

Common Name: Hens & Chicks

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 3–8

Size: 3–4" Tall × 5–7" Wide (Individual Rosettes); Spreads by Offsets

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Rosette-Forming, Clumping

Sunlight: Full Sun to Light Shade

Soil: Very Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor, Sandy, or Rocky Soils

Water Needs: Low; Drought Tolerant

Bloom Season: Summer (Mature Rosettes Only)

Fertilizer: Not Required

Features: Compact Rosettes, Green Centers with Red to Burgundy Outer Leaves, Excellent Color Contrast, Extremely Cold Hardy

Uses: Rock Gardens, Containers, Ground Cover, Crevice Gardens, Alpine Gardens

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowe

More About Sempervivum ‘Kalinda’

Sempervivum ‘Kalinda’ is prized for its clean, high-contrast rosettes that look intentional even at a small scale. The centers remain fresh green while the outer leaves deepen to red or burgundy, especially in full sun and cooler temperatures. That sharp color separation makes it stand out among more uniformly colored hens-and-chicks.

This variety stays compact and tidy, forming tight rosettes that slowly multiply by producing offsets. Over time, those offsets fill in around the parent plant, creating a dense, low mat without becoming aggressive. It’s an excellent choice for containers and rock gardens where detail matters.

Like all Sempervivums, ‘Kalinda’ is incredibly resilient. It thrives in lean, well-drained soil and actually performs better when conditions are a bit tough. Excess water or rich soil tends to reduce color and longevity, so less really is more with this plant.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

At Garden Delivery, ‘Kalinda’ has been consistently reliable through both winter cold and summer heat. In our trials, it held tight rosettes and strong color even in exposed conditions where other succulents struggled. The contrast between the green centers and red outer leaves stayed sharp through seasonal changes.

We also like how predictable it is. ‘Kalinda’ doesn’t sprawl, doesn’t collapse after flowering, and doesn’t need special care to look good. For gardeners who want a Sempervivum that stays crisp and defined, this one has proven itself.

Kalinda vs. Other Hens and Chicks

‘Kalinda’ is all about contrast and refinement. Compared to Commander Hay, it stays noticeably smaller and tighter, trading size for crisp detail.  In containers or crevice gardens, it reads intentionally even at a small scale. While SUPERSEMPS® Onyx leans dark and dramatic, ‘Kalinda’ stands out through its bicolor pattern—green centers framed by red to burgundy outer leaves. That sharp contrast holds cleanly through the season, even as light and temperatures change. Against Cobweb, which draws attention through texture, ‘Kalinda’ feels cleaner and more graphic. It’s the variety I reach for when I want precise color separation rather than bold mass.