The sempervivums are back

Assuming they have not turned to mush, which is a big assumption after this winter, many succulents look great all year.  I find it reassuring to be able to look out at the agaves and yuccas at any time of year and see them looking good.  It is not so true for other plants especially the alpines.  Over the last couple of years I have collected quite a few sempervivums, and noticed there is a huge difference between the varieties in the way they cope with winter. Some hardly change at all, while others shrink right back leaving a clump of dead leaves.  Come spring those that have not shrunk back often change colour giving some welcome spring hues. To celebrate their return here are a couple of my favourites.

This pot of sempervivum ciliosum is filling out nicely and hasn't shrunk back at all.  Lots of new offsets as well, so should look great in a few months.

This one is sempervivum lively bug, can't help smiling every time I read the name. It has gone a very good maroon colour right now, sadly this will not last long and it will be green for most of the summer. It is lovely and furry.

I keep meaning to do something creative with these little plants, I love the blog posts showing the amazing ways people use them in pictures, walls, wire frame animals. Who knows maybe this will be the year I finally get around to it, although I wouldn't hold your breath.