Are you looking for a unique and eye-catching addition to your garden? Consider adding 10 sempervivums to your outdoor space.
Sempervivums, also known as “hens and chicks,” are a type of succulent that are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and require minimal care. With their striking colors and shapes, they can be used to create beautiful displays in gardens, rock gardens, and containers. Read on to learn more about 10 sempervivums that are perfect for any outdoor space.
Benefits of growing sempervivums
Growing sempervivums, commonly known as ‘hens and chicks’, is an increasingly popular pastime for gardeners of all levels. These versatile plants are surprisingly hardy and are suitable for virtually any environment, making them an attractive choice for beginners and experts alike.
In this article we’ll explore why these charming succulents are becoming an increasingly popular choice, and take a look at some of the best sempervivum varieties to grow. The main advantage of sempervivums is their hardiness. They’re able to survive in climates as cold as -30 degrees Celsius and can even survive in rocky soils and without regular watering.
This makes them suitable for areas of the UK which are more prone to frost and where rainfall is low. As well as being incredibly hardy, they’re also incredibly easy to look after.
Once established, they require very little maintenance and can be grown in mixed beds and containers. When it comes to the different varieties of sempervivums to grow, there is a huge range to choose from. To get you started, here are ten of the best varieties: Jovibarba hirta, Sempervivum arachnoideum, Sempervivum montanum, Sempervivum tectorum, Sempervivum ‘Cobweb’, Sempervivum ‘Pink Frost’, Sempervivum marmoreum, Sempervivum arachnoideum var.
Subglobosum, Sempervivum ‘Starburst’ and Sempervivum ‘Garnetii’. Each variety produces different leaf shapes and colours, so you’re sure to find something you love.
Overall, sempervivums are a fantastic option for gardeners of all levels. Thanks to their hardiness and ease of care, these plants are sure to bring charm and beauty to any outdoor space. With such a wide variety of varieties to choose from, it’s not hard to see why these delightful succulents have become an increasingly popular choice.
10 sempervivums to grow
When it comes to plants with a subtle yet striking presence, look no further than sempervivums. With their unique shape, texture and contrasting colors, sempervivums can make an eye-catching addition to any outdoor space or even a container garden.
As a UK garden expert, I highly recommend adding at least 10 of these beauties to your garden. Sempervivums, or “hens and chicks,” have a drought tolerant, evergreen look that stands out from the rest. Although small, they are big on texture and color.
There are over forty different varieties of this hardy succulent, each offering distinct leaf shapes, ranging from thick and chubby to long and spidery. Hues range from deep green to rusty red and purplish blue, which all look even brighter after a light rain.
These succulents thrive in full sun and well-drained soil with a neutral pH level. Proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot and to encourage the sempervivums to spread. For this reason, they make ideal additions to rock gardens, and they are often used as ground cover.
Additionally, they can be planted alongside other plants in a succulent garden or border. Give them an occasional drink during the summer months and they will reward you with an abundance of cheerful and vibrant flowers. When choosing the right variety, it typically comes down to personal preference.
Also, consider the size and color of the sempervivums you will be planting. For example, Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ will produce tight, spiky green rosettes with purple undersides, while Sempervivum ‘Stained Glass’ offers lovely mottled leaves in shades of red, green, and yellow.
And, while they might be small, the impact they make in the garden is anything but. Add at least 10 of these hardy succulents to your outdoor space, and you’ll be sure to experience the beauty, texture and color that sempervivums have to offer.
Tips for growing sempervivums
Are you an avid gardener who can’t resist trying all the beautiful varieties of sempervivums out there? Are you looking to expand your sempervivum garden with some of the most popular and stunning varieties? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
Here are 10 sempervivums that are truly a pleasure to grow. First up we have Sempervivum arachnoideum, or Cobweb Houseleek.
This head of beautiful purple rosettes is sure to add a vibrant colour to your garden. Covered in cobweb-like hairs on its leaves and stems, these houseleeks do require some care to survive ― so be sure to keep some space between the rosettes and make sure their soil is well-drained. Next is Sempervivum tectorum.
This is an evergreen succulent (that means it’s drought-tolerant!) that produces mounds of spiky rosettes.
The colour of these rosettes ranges from purple to green. As with many sempervivums, they need little to no care, making them ideal for the busy gardener.
The third in our line-up would be Sempervivum ‘Hummelo’. This variety has clusters of small rosettes with a dusky pink hue. These are easy to grow and require minimal care.
Just be sure to keep their soil well-drained by mixing in some sand or gravel. We can’t forget the beautiful Sempervivum ‘Greenii’. This variety stands out from the others with its bright green rosette that matures into a bright purple colour. This variety does require more care than most, so it’s best for experienced gardeners. The fifth and sixth sempervivums in our list are Sempervivum ‘Jovibarba heuffelii’ and ‘Jovibarba hirta’. These both have the same needs as the other sempervivums, but they both have a unique quality ― they form a flowering element. This is known as a ‘crown’ that is formed at the center of their rosettes. Seventh in our line-up is Sempervivum ‘Purpurea’. This variety produces beautiful rosettes in hues of purples, blues and even pale pink. They need well-drained soil, and they do better in dry climates. Our eighth sempervivum is Sempervivum marmoreum. This variety forms clumps of thick, marbled leaves, making it a particularly striking addition to the garden. This variety does better in slightly cooler climates and can survive temperatures down to -20C. Sempervivum ‘Calcareum’, or Calcareous These tolerant plants do need some extra care: they thrive in a chalky or calcareous soil ― so make sure you add some lime or chalk to the soil mix. Rounding out the list is Sempervivum ‘Hybridum’. This plant is an evergreen succulent with small rosettes, which can range in colours from light purple to deep green. Its unique leaves make it a particularly attractive addition to the garden ― and its hardy nature means it can survive even in the harshest conditions. So whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, there is a sempervivum variety to suit your needs. All of these varieties are a great addition to your garden, and they make a beautiful natural feature!
Bottom Line
This article provides an overview of 10 different sempervivum varieties to grow in your garden. Each variety has its own unique characteristics and is easy to care for. From the hardy ‘Hen and Chicks’ to the beautiful ‘Royal Ruby’, these varieties will add color and texture to any outdoor space.
With minimal maintenance required, these plants are perfect for gardeners of any level of experience.
FAQ
What are the benefits of growing sempervivums?
The benefits of growing sempervivums include their low maintenance requirements, their ability to tolerate a wide range of climates and soil types, their drought tolerance, and their attractive foliage and flowers. They also make great additions to rock gardens and other xeriscape designs.
What are the best conditions for growing sempervivums?
The best conditions for growing sempervivums are well-draining soil, full sun, and temperatures between 40-80°F (4-27°C).
What are the most popular varieties of sempervivums?
The most popular varieties of sempervivums are Hens and Chicks, Cobweb Houseleeks, and Rosettes.
How often should sempervivums be watered?
Sempervivums should be watered once every two to three weeks, or when the soil is completely dry.
How can sempervivums be propagated?
Sempervivums can be propagated by division, leaf cuttings, and seed.
What pests and diseases can affect sempervivums?
Common pests and diseases that can affect sempervivums include aphids, mealybugs, rust, and powdery mildew.
