The sempervivum is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Originally from the hot dry climates of Southern Europe, it grows in rosettes of fleshy thick leaves that store water and give them the ability to live on sunny rocks and stony mountain terrain. The sempervivum has a number of affectionate common names such as liveforever, house leek and hen and chicks. Often overlooked, this little plant is actually a real stunner and comes in varied and beautiful varieties. Here is a sort guide on how to grow them, where they look best and some of my favourite varieties.
Growing sempervivums
Although they originate from warm, dry climbs sempervivums are very easy to look after in our climate and will live happily either indoors or outdoors. They are among some of the most frost hardy succulents which make them a popular addition to our gardens. They require only a little water and some protection from extreme exposure to the sun. Because of their origins, it comes as no surprise that the only problem posed to them from our climate is over watering. For this reason I do tend to bring my prize specimens into a cold greenhouse during the winter months to prevent them from getting too wet.
When planting sempervivums they do best in an outdoor sunny position, in well-drained compost, with around a quarter sharp horticultural grit for added drainage. They will grow alongside other cultivated plants in normal flower beds but because of their low growing habit you may experience problems with other plants overshadowing them. Therefore, I prefer to grow them in containers where they can be showcased either on a sunny wall or in groups of pots on a patio. Plant them in the same way but add a further layer of grit to the surface of the container for extra drainage. Sempervivums do not require feeding, but they will benefit from being repotted each year into fresh compost containing a slow release fertiliser.
Green roofs
Because of their ability to grow in dry shallow places and withstand extremes in climate, sempervivums are ideal for roof top planting. Green roofs have become popular in recent years as a way of creating a sustainable roof space that works with the environment. Their ability to self-generate also means that they soon cover the surface with an attractive green blanket.
Varieties of sempervivum
There are many hundreds of varieties of sempervivum. They are grown not for their flowers, but the form and colour of the rosette-leaves which are at their best from March until June. Possibly the most familiar species is arachnoideum, also known as the cobweb sempervivum because of the tiny white hairs at the tip of each leaf. 'Fernwood' has large open rosettes with dark colouring at the tips of the leaves. 'Angel eyes' is a vigorous variety that has sharply-pointed brown and green leaves. 'Moerkerk's Merit' has a velvety appearance due to tufty hairs which grow on the leaf tips. Its leaves are silver-green in colour.
I love the fact that you can grow sempervivums in the most unlikely garden planters. They are great in sinks and troughs, either in single varieties, a mix of varieties or with other alpines. They look great grown in the holes of building bricks, in old logs or at the ends of pieces of piping.
Jo Poultney is one of two people behind Garden Planters. I have an RHS general certificate in horticulture. Garden Planters source unusual outdoor and indoor planters, and other garden related gifts - whatever your taste, be it traditional, modern or just a bit quirky, we will have something for you. I believe garden planters are an integral part of any garden - they enhance the overall design and say a little something about the person to whom the garden belongs. If you would like to know more about Garden Planters, visit our website at http://www.gardenplantersshop.co.uk
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