Easy Container Plants: Perennials

Hens and Chicks
Also known as Houseleeks, Hens and Chicks require little attention. They are available in a rainbow of vibrant colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, pink and brown. Once planted, they’ll grow for several years before flowering just once. But ‘Hen’ blooms give way to ‘Chicks’ that will eventually blossom, too.

• Care: Hens and Chicks flourish in dry conditions and full sun, which brings out their bright hue. Without direct sunlight, they’ll remain green. As an added plus, they don’t need to be fertilized! But be sure to water them only when the top three inches of soil are dry.

Tip: Bring your Hens and Chicks indoors before the first frost gets to them. They're lovely on a hearth or kitchen counter.

Potting
Plant them in a blend of commercial potting soil, compost and coarse sand. For containers without drainage holes, layer the bottom with rocks to help pull excess water away from plants. Inspire your green thumb with these unexpected planter ideas:

• Toolbox: Dust off that old toolbox and put it to good use! Once it’s filled with hens and chicks, show off this rugged planter on your deck, balcony or windowsill.
• Wheelbarrow: Create a rustic garden centerpiece with a repurposed wheelbarrow. Find that perfect spot for the container, then simply arrange your plants inside. For natural elegance, tuck the planter into tree-filled, shrubby corners.
• Shells: Decorate an outdoor celebration with a summery, easy-to-make centerpiece. Simply fill a seashell with Hens and Chicks! We love how they look nestled in large clam, conch or snail shells. If you have lots of small seashells, plant one tiny Hens and Chicks plant in each shell, then display as a collection.

Tip: To keep sand from blowing away, cover it with pebbles. For natural, everyday beauty, nestle different sized stones among the pebbles.