Echeveria or Sempervivum ...
By hywel
26 comments
A member recently asked me what was the difference between them,
well, not being very good with words, I thought I’d put a few photos of each in a blog, to illustrate the difference.
But first of all here are some facts …
Echeverias flower on a tall stem, with many dangling bell shaped blooms.
They can flower every year.
Sometimes they can get tall and have branches.
They may survive outside in a mild winter.
They are native to semi desert Central America e.g. Mexico.
They are named after the Mexican botanical artist Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy.
.
Sempervivums are made up of rosettes that form mats close to the ground.
They have star shaped flowers.
The rosettes die after flowering.
They are hardy but like to be kept dry.
I am not very good at growing Sempervivums so don’t have many photos of them.
- 22 Jun, 2018
- 17 likes
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Comments
Thank you Hywel. Your photos speak volumes and I think I might remember this lesson but just in case I forget I am saving it in favourites.
23 Jun, 2018
Thank you both. I am glad you found the photos helpful.
23 Jun, 2018
Such pretty flowers they give off thank you Hywel for letting us know they can survive a mild winter bet they are taking all that sunshine in.
23 Jun, 2018
Thanks for that information Hywel. I think I get it now. I didn't know they were tender. Mine stayed out through all that snow and cold weather we had, in fact they've stayed out all the years I've had them. The main thing was not letting them get to wet. Maybe I should think about bringing them under cover this winter.
23 Jun, 2018
I have sempervivums that thrive outdoors through our cold winters... amazing plants. Don't see many blooms though. My neighbour has a rock wall which she has planted them on and they bloom for her...the wall is south facing.
23 Jun, 2018
Thank you Hywel as I have really started to enjoy my new
Plants. You have really given some excellent advice because I was pretty clueless before.
Marjorie
23 Jun, 2018
So clearly explained Hywel plus the photos which will make the differences stay in my head.
Thank you.
23 Jun, 2018
Thanks, I'm pleased so many found my blog useful.
I am not very good at explaining things but sometimes all you need are photos :)
24 Jun, 2018
Many thanks Hywel, I do have both and now I know which is which, was always unsure before, you are correct the photo's made it so much easier...
24 Jun, 2018
Thank you :)
24 Jun, 2018
Good idea, Hywel, to explain things with pictures if you are not very good with words! it's the Chinese I think that said "a picture is worth a 1,000 words"! Well, if that is the case, you've saved yourself a few thousand words! Well done! 👍
24 Jun, 2018
Well, I didn't know that! Thanks, Hywel :)
25 Jun, 2018
Thank you both :)
26 Jun, 2018
Nice collection I've never seen so many different types. Thanks
26 Jun, 2018
Thank you Bathgate, there are lots of different Echeverias and I have more than this, but these are just to show the difference between them and Sempervivums :)
26 Jun, 2018
Could you advise on the best compost to use for these
plants please Hywel ?
28 Jun, 2018
They like a free draining compost. I use multipurpose compost with some horticultural grit added to it.
28 Jun, 2018
Thanks Hywel I get a bit nervous about plant food.
Seems a weak solution is ok. But that would be in the
multipurpose compost. Also sand.
29 Jun, 2018
They don't need much feeding, they are from arid places with poor soils.
If you use sand make sure it's sharp sand. This will ensure good drainage.
With some types of sand the grains are rounded and it doesn't drain well.
29 Jun, 2018
Very helpful thank you Hywel!
29 Jun, 2018
You're welcome but I think you already knew the difference :)
30 Jun, 2018
I am not the succulent expert by any means, my OH is the collector, we just muddle along and hope for the best!!
30 Jun, 2018
Same as me then :)
30 Jun, 2018
Helping each other is the important thing. I didnt know that about sand, always get Horticultural Washed Sand.
It fits in the bag on the front of my walking aid !
1 Jul, 2018
Horticultural sand is what you need really Diane. Builders' sand is fine and the grains are rounded, so it's no good for drainage.
1 Jul, 2018
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Thank you Hy, for putting us straight. I have Sempervivums, which I like, nice & easy!
22 Jun, 2018