Sempervivum: My Hardy Companions
I’ve always been drawn to the resilient, the enduring, the tenacious. Maybe that’s why I find myself so fascinated by Sempervivum, the “always living” succulents. These hardy plants, often called Houseleeks or Hens and Chicks, thrive in conditions that would make other plants wither. They cling to rocky slopes, withstand scorching sun, and endure freezing temperatures. They’re survivors, much like the people I admire most.
My first encounter with Sempervivum was purely accidental. I was hiking in the Alps, scrambling over a particularly rocky patch, when I noticed these intriguing rosettes nestled amongst the stones. They were unlike anything I’d seen before – compact, geometric, almost architectural in their form. I was captivated.
Since then, I’ve become a collector, an enthusiast, a Sempervivum devotee. My garden, balconies, and even windowsills are now home to a diverse array of these fascinating plants. Each one is unique, with its own personality and charm.
A Tapestry of Textures and Colors
Sempervivum are masters of adaptation. Their leaves, arranged in those characteristic rosettes, come in a stunning variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are smooth and glossy, others fuzzy and velvety. Their hues range from deep greens and reds to silvery blues and even near-blacks. And when they bloom, they send up tall stalks adorned with star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and yellow.
The diversity within the genus is truly remarkable. Here are:
- Sempervivum × alatum Scheele
- Sempervivum altum Turrill
- Sempervivum annae Gurgen.
- Sempervivum arachnoideum L.
- Sempervivum armenum Boiss. & A.Huet
- Sempervivum artvinense Muirhead
- Sempervivum atlanticum (Ball ex Hook.f.) Baker
- Sempervivum atropatanum J.Parn.
- Sempervivum balcanicum Stoj.
- Sempervivum × barbulatum Schott
- Sempervivum borissovae Wale
- Sempervivum brevipilum Muirhead
- Sempervivum calcareum Jord.
- Sempervivum carpathicum Wettst. ex Prodan
- Sempervivum caucasicum Rupr. ex Boiss.
- Sempervivum cernochii Niederle
- Sempervivum charadzeae Gurgen.
- Sempervivum × christii W.Wolf
- Sempervivum ciliosum Craib
- Sempervivum × comollii Rota
- Sempervivum davisii Muirhead
- Sempervivum dolomiticum Facchini
- Sempervivum dzhavachischvilii Gurgen.
- Sempervivum ekimii Karaer
- Sempervivum ermanicum Gurgen.
- Sempervivum erythraeum Velen.
- Sempervivum × feigeanum Neeff
- Sempervivum × fimbriatum Schnittsp. & C.B.Lehm.
- Sempervivum × funckii F.Braun ex W.D.J.Koch
- Sempervivum gillianiae Muirhead
- Sempervivum × giuseppii Wale
- Sempervivum glabrifolium Boriss.
- Sempervivum globiferum L.
- Sempervivum grandiflorum Haw.
- Sempervivum guillemotii Lamotte
- Sempervivum herfriedianum Neeff
- Sempervivum heuffelii Schott
- Sempervivum ingwersenii Wale
- Sempervivum iranicum Bornm. & Gauba
- Sempervivum ispartae Muirhead
- Sempervivum kosaninii Praeger
- Sempervivum leucanthum Pančić
- Sempervivum macedonicum Praeger
- Sempervivum marmoreum Griseb.
- Sempervivum minus Turrill ex Wale
- Sempervivum minutum (Kunze ex Willk.) Nyman ex Pau
- Sempervivum montanum L.
- Sempervivum × morelianum Viv.-Morel
- Sempervivum ossetiense Wale
- Sempervivum pisidicum Peşmen & Güner
- Sempervivum pittonii Schott, Nyman & Kotschy
- Sempervivum × praegeri G.D.Rowley
- Sempervivum pumilum M.Bieb.
- Sempervivum × rupicola A.Kern.
- Sempervivum ruthenicum Schnittsp. & C.B.Lehm.
- Sempervivum soculense D.Donati & G.Dumont
- Sempervivum sosnowskyi Ter-Chatsch.
- Sempervivum staintonii Muirhead
- Sempervivum × stenopetalum Schnittsp. & C.B.Lehm.
- Sempervivum tectorum L.
- Sempervivum × thompsonianum Wale
- Sempervivum transcaucasicum Muirhead
- Sempervivum × vaccarii Wilczek ex Vacc.
- Sempervivum vicentei Pau
- Sempervivum wulfenii Hoppe ex Mert. & W.D.J.Koch
More Than Just a Pretty Face
But Sempervivum are more than just aesthetically pleasing. They have a rich history of medicinal and cultural significance. In ancient times, they were believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against disease. Their leaves were used to treat burns, wounds, and skin ailments. Even today, some people use Sempervivum extracts in herbal remedies.
For me, Sempervivum represent resilience, perseverance, and the ability to thrive in adversity. They remind me that even in the harshest conditions, life finds a way. They are a symbol of hope, a testament to the enduring power of nature.
Cultivating Connection
Caring for Sempervivum has become a source of joy and connection for me. I love propagating them, carefully separating the “chicks” from the “hen” and watching them grow into new rosettes. It’s a simple act, but it fills me with a sense of wonder and satisfaction.
I’ve also connected with other Sempervivum enthusiasts online and at plant swaps. Sharing knowledge, trading cuttings, and admiring each other’s collections has created a sense of community. It’s a reminder that even in our increasingly digital world, there’s something special about connecting with others over a shared passion for the natural world.
Sempervivum have taught me patience, resilience, and the beauty of simplicity. They are my constant companions, a source of inspiration, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, life can flourish.
