Botanical Name: Sempervivum ‘SUPERSEMPS® Onyx’ Common Name: Hens & Chicks Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 3–9 Size: 3–5" Tall × 8–12" Spread (colonies expand over time) Growth Habit: Low-Growing Rosette; Offsetting, Colony-Forming Habit Sunlight: Full Sun Soil: Very Well-Drained Soil; Prefers Sandy or Rocky Conditions Water Needs: Low; Highly Drought Tolerant Bloom Season: Summer (flowering rosette dies after bloom) Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Fertilizing Features: Near-Black to Deep Burgundy Rosettes, Strong Color Retention, Extreme Cold & Heat Tolerance, Evergreen Texture, Deer Resistant Uses: Rock Gardens, Containers, Troughs, Slopes, Groundcover in Dry Areas

Patent: ✔ Patented Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Sempervivum ‘SUPERSEMPS® Onyx’

Sempervivum ‘SUPERSEMPS® Onyx’ is prized for its exceptionally dark, near-black rosettes that hold their color far better than most dark hens & chicks. The thick, pointed leaves form tight, symmetrical rosettes that look almost sculpted, especially in full sun.

As part of the SUPERSEMPS® series, ‘Onyx’ was bred specifically for improved color stability, stronger growth, and superior garden performance. The rosettes maintain deep pigmentation through heat, cold, and seasonal changes.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Onyx’ has been an elite performer for durability and color, thriving in poor soils, intense sun, drought, and freezing winter conditions with no special care. It spreads steadily by producing offsets, forming dense, attractive colonies over time.

We especially appreciate its year-round visual impact. Even in winter, the rosettes remain bold and architectural, making it a standout in rock gardens and containers when most plants are dormant.

‘SUPERSEMPS® Onyx’ vs. Other Hens & Chicks

Compared to traditional sempervivum varieties, ‘Onyx’ offers far darker coloration and more consistent form.

When compared to varieties like ‘Cobweb,’ which rely on texture, ‘Onyx’ delivers impact through deep color and bold geometry. For gardeners seeking a dramatic, ultra-hardy succulent with near-black foliage and long-term reliability, Sempervivum ‘SUPERSEMPS® Onyx’ is an outstanding choice.