Our Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)--and a Surprise!

Most of you (if you have been following my blog for awhile) know that George and I love succulents. Our Autumn Joy Sedum is one of our favorite succulents. BUT--even better than that is our Sempervivum. We have LOTS of Semps in our yard.

The name "Sempervivum" has its origin in the Latin semper ('always') and vivus ('living'). Sempervivum are called "Always Living" because this perennial plant keeps its leaves in winter and is very resistant to difficult conditions of growth.

These little succulents are also called Hens and Chicks. The main plant (hen) creates lots of babies (chicks). Typically, each plant (hen) grows for several years before flowering. After flowering, the plant dies, usually leaving many offsets (chicks) it has produced during its life. I think I read that there are over 40 different species of Semps.

I have done blog posts several times showing our Semps (go to my sidebar and click on SEMPS)---but since there are new people, I decided to show some again to you today. I hope you will enjoy my pictures! These are new pictures which I took recently.   Be sure to click on them for enlargements.   The picture above doesn't show it,  but this group are in a 'pile'----like a big mound, living off of each other.. I have never seen them do this.

This one is different... I love its colors.

Here is one of my favorites... I love the purple edges!!!!

I love the colors in this one also.  See how wonderful these little guys are?  They'll grow most anywhere in your yard... We put them around the edges of our flowerbeds...

This one is gorgeous also --with all of the neat colors.

Here is a colorful group of Semps.  I was able to get some sun and shadows on this one.

There are alot of 'babies' in this group---as there are in most groups.  I love to see the Mamas when they bloom (none are blooming now)---but hate to see them die.  BUT-- that's just life for Supervivum.

Here  is one last picture of some gorgeous Semps.   If you want to see some of them in bloom, click HERE.  I have done several posts showing these beauties...  Hope you don't get tired of seeing them.  They are all a little different from one year to the next...

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Five Bluebird Babies

Here is a surprise for you.  It's not a 'hen and chick' --but it is a picture of five tiny baby Bluebirds just born this week.  I've been watching the 5 eggs in the nest in our backyard for awhile --and am happy to see those precious babies come into the world.  We have a new baffle on the pole --so hopefully,  this group will make it.  I'll keep you posted.  They should grow up and fledge by about the 18th of June (give or take).  Aren't they precious?  

Have a wonderful Monday.

Hugs,

Betsy