Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’

Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel,’ commonly known as hens and chicks, is a succulent renowned for its resilience and distinctive appearance.

Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’ belongs to the family Crassulaceae. This family is known for its succulent plants that store water in their thick leaves, making them well-adapted to arid conditions.

The genus Sempervivum is a large genus within the Crassulaceae family, comprising about 40 species and numerous cultivars and hybrids. The name “Sempervivum” is derived from Latin, meaning “always alive,” which reflects the plant’s hardy and resilient nature.

Here are the key facts and primary arguments about this plant:

  1. Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel,’ commonly known as hens and chicks, is a succulent renowned for its resilience and distinctive appearance. Here are the key facts and primary arguments about this plant:
  2. Appearance and Structure: Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’ forms tight, rosette-shaped clusters of bright green, fleshy leaves that taper to a point. These rosettes grow in a circular pattern, with smaller rosettes (chicks) surrounding the central larger rosette (hen).
  3. Size and Spread: The plant typically grows to a height of 4-6 inches and spreads to about 6-8 inches. It forms dense mats, making it an excellent ground cover.
  4. Flowering: In mid to late summer, Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’ produces small, pale pink flowers on short spikes. After flowering, the mother rosette dies, but this is part of its natural lifecycle and allows new rosettes to take its place.
  5. Hardiness: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 2-9, indicating its ability to withstand a wide range of climatic conditions, including very cold temperatures.
  6. Sunlight Requirements: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings.
  7. Soil and Watering Needs: Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’ prefers well-drained, gravelly or sandy soils. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established, needing water only when the soil is dry.
  8. Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being easy to care for. It requires little attention and can tolerate heat, drought, and neglect, making it ideal for busy or novice gardeners.
  9. Uses: It is suitable for rock gardens, container gardens, rooftop gardens, and as an edging plant. It also works well in alpine settings and as a ground cover.
  10. Pest and Disease Resistance: Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’ is deer and rabbit resistant, adding to its low-maintenance appeal.
  11. Growth and Propagation: The plant has a moderate growth rate. It is easily propagated by removing and replanting the small rosettes that form around the mother rosette. This can be done almost any time of the year.
  12. Evergreen Nature: In mild winter areas, Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’ remains evergreen, providing year-round visual interest.
  13. Aesthetic Appeal: The plant’s neat, symmetrical rosettes and occasional pink flowers add unique texture and color to gardens and containers.
  14. Environmental Benefits: It is a water-wise plant that helps conserve water in garden landscapes, suitable for xeriscaping.
  15. Soil pH Tolerance: It can grow in a variety of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline, showing its adaptability.
  16. Longevity: The hens and chicks can live for many years with proper care, continually renewing themselves through the production of new rosettes.

References

  • Plant Profile for Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’ – Hen-and-chicks Perennial (www.perennials.com)
  • Green Wheel Hens And Chicks, Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’, Monrovia Plant (www.monrovia.com)
  • Green Wheel Sempervivum Plants for Sale (Hens and Chicks) – GrowJoy (www.growjoy.com)
  • Sempervivum ‘Green Wheel’ | Sempervivum ‘Green Wheels’ | Green Wheel Hens and Chicks | Green Wheel House Leeks | plant lust (plantlust.com)
  • Green Wheel Hens and Chicks | American Meadows (www.americanmeadows.com)

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