Herself’s Houston Garden

Hens and Chicks Sempervivum May 2010

Sempervivum originated in Europe and western Asia. In Rome they were planted on the roofs of homes. It was believed they would prevent witches from landing on your roof. Today they are gaining popularity in water wise gardens.

Leaves are small to conserve water, flowers can be quite showy to attract pollinators.

Plant in full sun.

Plant in well drained sandy soil.

In time these will have pink, yellow or white star shaped flowers. After flowering the rosette will die but babies will come up from the ground where the rosette was located.

There are over 40 different varieties.

Stonecrop May 2010

There are over 400 species of sedum. These are succulent perennials and annuals and I purchased them as filler in the water wise bee and butterfly garden. They work best as borders or between stones. They do not do so well as a ground cover for a large area.

Rapid growers 3″-8″ tall, prune after flowering to keep them from getting leggy.

Full sun to light shade.

Good soil, well drained, they will rot if left sitting in water.

Propagate from seed or cuttings.

Problems:
Stem and root root – leaves and stems darken and shrivel, leaves drop, lower stems may be covered in white strands which develop brown pellets. Cause is wet soil, improve drainage.

There are about 100 species of portulaca, some are annuals some are perennials. They are semi-succulent and I bought them as filler for the water wise sections of the garden.

Portulaca grandiflora is an annual, which is a rarity among succulents. Flowers are large, they can reach 3″, these are about 1″ now. Flowers open in the sun and close under clouds and at night.

These grow just about anywhere but are not frost hardy, they are rated for zones 10-11 only.

Plant in full sun to light shade, well drained soil

Drought tolerant but will flower more if well watered.

Height should be about 4″-8″ tall, 8″-12″ spread.

I planted some a week ago and they tripled in size, so I went and purchased a dozen more.

South American native.

Hardiness Zones 5-11

Propagation: This plant should reseed itself.

Problems:
Aphids, root-knot nematodes.

More information:
Floridata: Portulaca grandiflora