Thursday, August 26, 2010

Green Wall Plant Feature: Sempervivum 'Green Wheel'


Sempervivum 'Green Wheel'

Sempervivums are also known as Hens and chicks. ‘Green Wheel’ is especially vigorous and pretty. It has densely packed apple green leaves that form remarkably symmetrical rosettes.

In late spring to early summer older rosettes may send up a single flower stalk. These are topped with branched clusters of five-petaled pink blooms. Once a rosette flowers it will die, but offsets that have not bloomed will live.

A well-drained situation is the key to growing these succulents successfully. Most varieties of Sempervivum are very cold hardy and very low maintenance.

Sempervivums are ideal for sun drenched elevated rock gardens, but will not stand up to low desert summer heat.

Sun Exposure
Full Sun.

Soil Type
Normal
Sandy
Well drained

Soil pH
Neutral
Alkaline
Acid

Soil Moisture
Average
Dry

Care Level
Easy

Flower Color
Pink

Blooming Time
Early Summer

Foliage Color
Apple green

Plant Uses & Characteristics
Accent: Good Texture/Form
Alpine & Rock
Attracts Butterflies
Containers
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Edging
Rabbit Resistant
Evergreen
Ground Cover

Flower Head Size
The rosettes can send up flowers 6 to 8" tall.

Height
2-5 cm
1-2 inches

Spread
20-30 cm
8-12 inches

Foot Traffic
Not recommended.

Growth Rate
Medium