Sempervivums: Largest Varieties?

butterflylion

17 years ago

What are the largest Sempervivums? How big do they get?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

marquest
16 years ago
I do not have them all but of the 50 or so I have.....The biggest one I have is a old noname that you see everywhere grows to about 6-8". It is green with maroon tips in the summer and red in the winter.
reneeslovenia
15 years ago
The largest variety is reported to grow 30 cm in diamether -as I've once seen on a web page of German collector. Mine biggest one are half that big.

See my sempervivum blog:
http://sempervivum.sosblog.com

Intereseted in swapping Sempervivum plants? Mail me!

Here is a link that might be useful: sempervivum blog
Related Discussions
The largest variety I've ever seen.
Q
Comments (3)
Both Dendrocalamus gigantea & D. brandisii are said to get to 12 inches in diameter and 100 feet tall. D. sinicus is now reported as the tallest and largest at 120 feet tall and 12 inches in diameter. I have the first two but they never get tall here since they freeze back evey Winter. The largest diameter culm here in a clumper is Bambusa oldhamii which grows to about 5 inches in diameter and 44 feet tall. Moso(a runner), will get taller and larger but I don' give mine enough roon to grow that large. Kt
...See More
My Sempervivum has water 'blisters'?
Q
Comments (8)
Hello everyone, thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Nancy - I suppose I should have clarified that all of my semps are happy - except for this one (I included a picture of some of my other semps, most of which are finally starting to color up after the winter). I know that these are quite leggy, they had been moved out of their normal sunny spot for about a week because I got nervous when all their leaves started falling off and they started to die (and the sun really is quite strong where I live). They were also kind of buried under the very large mother hen who is no longer there because she died, which is why the top is bushier and more compact than the bottom. I can assure that under normal circumstances, they have plenty of light. I enjoy them as houseplants, and really am not able to put them outside even if I wanted to. However, being leggy really isnt what I am concerned about, since the other issue is more pressing, and I am happy as long as these survive to make offsets later. I agree that the symptoms seem to be that of overwatering, but the plants were not overwatered. They hadnt received any water for over two weeks when they started to go downhill, and had never had a problem with how much water I gave them in the six months prior (nor do any of my other semps have water issues) So I am wondering.. why so sudden? One day they were fine, the next day they were dying. When I removed the chicks to transplant (the ones in the original photo) the soil they were in was bone dry. Stush2049 - I would love to give them a cooler climate, Im sure they would be much happier (Ive actually burned a few by leaving them in the bright hot sun a little too long) but unfortunately its over 90 degrees right now, and nowhere in my home has air conditioning (Id like a cooler location for me and my semps both!)
...See More
What were your largest variety of maters?
Q
Comments (13)
My biggest have been Neve's Azorean Red, Persimmon and some I can't recall right now. I did nothing special, it was just the genetics to get over 1lb each, sometimes much more. As a rule I grow for flavor, not size. Of course I do despise the tiny little tomatos that are too large to be bite sized, but too small for a burger slice and too much work to skin for sauce :) As an aside, does anyone sell Neve's anymore? It never was the easiest to find and I always got it from trades.
...See More
Need help with Sempervivums
Q
Comments (7)
Well while they wouldn't "thrive" in really hot and humid areas, such as a tropical rain forest, they can absolutely survive New England summers. My grandfather grew them for who knows how many years, and he gave me some over forty years ago, and they are still going. I have also added several new types over the years as well. The thing that they will NOT survive is wetness in winter. That's why I suggested to the OP planting at or near the top of the berm, or at least up on the slope of it, so that winter moisture drains away. In summer, they would only need water in a real drought condition, and I have never fed them.
...See More
chrisware
15 years ago
Hi,
I'm fortunate to have a semp nusery nearby. John at North Hills Nusery has amazing plants. (he has a web site)
If your ever through west virginia, you'll have to look him up. I always tell him I want the giants

Some of my largest growers which catch people's eyes are:
Money- red- fast grower
Jungle Shadow-purple
Emerald Giant- the old green and red tip... pinch off babies for huge size on this one
Rubra Ash-dark olive and redish depending on light
gigantium- grey green
Neptune gets big, though not as large as the above ones. the color is amazing though at some times of the year... very grey lavender.

Sometimes these look like plates in the gardens. I do find though that once the dry spells of August arrive, you do have to baby and water them to keep the size, or they will drop their outer leaves, but still look good.

Later,
Chris
beauregard
15 years ago
It's great talking to other Semp and Jovi enthusiasts! I have quite large Sempervivum garden with approximately 300 or more plants. I am trying to use them as a border as well as a groundcover. The soil consists of regular soil mixed with sand, gravel, mulch and a bit of peat. It's on a bit of a slant..so it has very good drainage. I too planted the largest types but much to my dismay they flowered and withered away without producing many chicks. I really don't like the flowers so I snip them off. I want various shades of reds & purples. What varieties are the most successful? Any gardening tips would be appreciated. Thanks

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Hens-and-Chicks

By Annie Thornton

Plant Sempervivum succulents for fuss-free garden color and character all year

Full Story

EVENTS Happening Now: The Brimfield Antique Show

By Stacy Briscoe

Take a peek at the largest outdoor antiques show in the United States

Full Story

FRUIT TREES How to Grow Your Own Juicy Plums

By Marianne Lipanovich

Easier than other stone fruits and with a variety of colors to choose from, plums are a versatile garden addition

Full Story

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Squash

By Marianne Lipanovich

Almost foolproof and with cheerful flowers, squash comes in a wide range of varieties to plant in spring

Full Story

DIY PROJECTS Discover the DIY Secret Weapon of Decoupage Glue

By Lauren Donaldson

With this liquid glue and sealant in your crafting arsenal, you can tackle a variety of home DIY projects in a single bound

Full Story

FLOWERS See the Amazing Orchids Unfolding at a New York Garden Show

By Mitchell Parker

Get an eyeful of awe-inspiring orchids in incredible colors and learn how to keep one happily blooming at home

Full Story

Etsy Designers at Home: VisuaLingual

By Becky Harris

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Great Design Plant: Tree Aloe

By Annie Thornton

Plant this Dr. Seuss-like evergreen for an added character in your garden

Full Story

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

Full Story

ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop: How to Borrow Light

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

You can save energy by using glass walls, windows and skylights to bring sunlight into dark areas of your home

Full Story

Sempervivums: Largest Varieties?

Comments (4)

marquest

reneeslovenia

Related Discussions

chrisware

beauregard

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US