I am on the east coast, but I couldn't get the hens and chicks to survive.

I'm growing a variety of echeveria and have fried enough sempervivum not to waste any more money on them. They really do need a cooler climate and I doubt even zone 9 is a good idea.

Here's a shot from Christchurch, New Zealand - zone 6 in comparison to the US:

I grew them just fine in NJ, maybe they need the cold winter to survive. :o)