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Saturday, July 14, 2012

Super Succulents



Over the last few years I have planted lots for pot of hens and chick. They are easy to grow and care for but the best thing about them is they are heat tolerant. With this summer being so hot that is a very good thing. I have them lining my south facing, hot brick walkway leading to our side door. I don't have to worry about watering them on a regular basis. However, I did snapped some of these photos after a brief rain shower.


Hens and chicks are a low growing evergreen succulent that look sort of like rubbery little roses. The original rose or rosette are the "Hens" and the little rosette offshoots are the "Chicks".




The Latin name for hens and chicks is Sempervivum tectorum, Sempervivum meaning "always live" and tectorum means "on roofs".  Hummm… "on roofs" where did that come from.  

Well hens and chick originally came from Europe where they were planted in thatched roofs. Forklore claimed that they protected again fires. Since they are drought tolerant they were thought to be fire resistant and would slow down a fire in a thatched roof. It makes me wish I had a thatched roof to plant them in, wouldn't that be charming!






A few days later these buds bloomed.




I have planted them in strawberry pots, old boots and hypertufa planters. Next year I'd really like to try making a succulent wreath. A gardener always has to have a plan or a dream for next year……..










29 comments:

Danielle said...

I have begun planting more succulents this year as I am striving for a very Florida friendly yard....they really stand up to the heat. Love your shots here...many times they are a bit difficult to shoot up close but you did a marvelous job in capturing their beauty.

Mindy said...

I've got succulents poked in all kinds of places around the yard. Colanders, an old wagon, rusty pots, I just love them. Your pictures are stunning!

NanaDiana said...

You know, Laura, I don't have any of those. My mother had a whole wall of them that she watched over...and then filled another big old tub with them when the wall was covered. I love the looks of them- xo diana

Shabby chic Sandy said...

My husband has always loved these--so I leave the planting of these to him. Yours looks great! Love the wreath idea.

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

I've never planted succulents, but after seeing the sweet flowering variety I'll add these to my list of plants for next year's garden!

Unknown said...

I've got lot's of Hen's and chicks, too. I keep moving and adding them around the garden. The photos are great.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Since we are moving from a VERY wooded place to a FULL SUN house I will be able to ahve some succulents too. I am really looking forward to it. XO, Pinky

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Great idea, love the hens and chicks. I haven't had any in a long time. Think I'll try them again. Thanks, beautiful pics.

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Beautiful hens and chicks. I haven't had any in a long time but my daughter and I had just been talking about them. Good ideas and yours look perfect and great pics.

Sarah said...

Fun to see what you've planted. I've just started to try my hand at growing succulents.

Annesphamily said...

These are so pretty! I am happy I came by. Always a joy to see such lovely plants and flowers!

Beverly said...

Happy Pink Saturday, Laura.

Your hens and chicks are so pretty. I've always wanted to plant some, but never have.

How do they hold up during the winter?

Ann said...

Gorgeous hen and chicks collection, Laura. I love them too, but my they're my husband's absolute favorite. We have (had) them filling nearly every crevice in our rock walls. Then, a few weeks ago, I noticed that nearly all of them are gone! The only thing I can figure out is that the raccoons dug them out when they were looking for grubs. But, there wasn't even any hen and chick debris around! Go figure.

Babs said...

Succulents are becomming more prevalent in my garden the last few years. My grandmother always had hens and chicks which I love. Your succulents are gorgeous. Love the purple-ish ones. Great photos, too.
Babs

momto8 said...

oh my gosh! I have never heard of, or seen these. they are so spectaular when they bloom! how very pretty! I am happy when i discover something new.

Rosine said...

Hi Laura, I've been using this thick-leafed plants, no luck.
I always give them too much water.
But I find it pretty already!

Have a great week!

All the best
the Rosine

Lynn Proctor said...

i love these and what great photos!

The Tablescaper said...

Beautiful and great photos! Great to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Unknown said...

Beautiful shots of these gorgeous succulents!

Jama said...

This is the first time I'm seeing their gorgeous blooms!

Pondside said...

A wreath sounds like a beautiful idea. I wonder if they'd grow on a mossy roof?

Pat said...

They're beautiful. I love succulents. They would make a beautiful wreath.

Gypsy Heart said...

Beautiful, Laura! I haven't planted these in a long time so I appreciate the reminder. They are good for these Texas summers.

xo
Pat

Sharon@SproutsandWildlings said...

Very nice pictures. Makes me want some (and a thatched roof to put them on) too! Thanks for the tidbit of lore also. I've seen them on trendy "green roofs" a lot lately, but didn't realize the idea was so old that that's where the latin name came from!

Mary said...

I love succulents and especially when they bloom...it's rare and welcome.

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

One of my favorites! They grow in anything that holds a little dirt!

Linda Kittmer said...

Such beautiful shots Laura. I love the colour and the texture. Your macros are fabulous!

andrea@townandprairie said...

Those succulents look so juicy! Sweetlly succulent! I really like the image of the one with the sprinkled water...we need rain so badly!

Polly said...

they're beautiful! i need to plant more of them! thanks for the inspiration!

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