Sunday 7 July 2013

Sempervivum Sunday: S. Virgil

Todays selection has to be one of the best varieties in my collection, S. Virgil


There are a lot of things going for this plant. Starting with the colour which in summer is a dark grey/purple and in winter is more lilac. Either way it stands out.  Size wise, it probably fits into the medium category, with individual plants being about 8 - 10cm across. It clumps very quickly with the new plants forming on short stolons, giving a tightly pack clump. 



It is not the most symmetrical variety, but all the clumps I have look like the photo above. It seems to look after itself, not needed any interference to stop clumps getting too messy or requiring gaps to be filled in.

They flowers mid summer with good thick flower spikes topped with pale pink flowers.




Finally it is fully hardy, coping with cold and wet without problems.  There is very little die back, so the clump looks good all year round. You can just plant this one and let it do what it does best.

Summary:
  • Size: medium
  • Summer Colour: Purple / grey (more lilac in winter)
  • Rosette: Neat
  • Offsets: Lots, coming from the base of the plant, on short stolons
  • Clump: Clumps quickly and stays compact
  • Flower: Pink on thick stalks
  • Winter hardiness: Excellent, no problems with being wet and cold.

8 comments:

  1. I have one similar- not as big or as gorgeous, tho.. You do have a good run of luck w/the different types in your collection!. :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. They don't always work out, This one however is simple which is one of the great things about it.

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  2. That coloring is so lovely!

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  3. Beautiful semp. Good color and great form. The color is a little reminiscent of the cultivar 'Blue Boy' but the plant size and form is much nicer. 'Virgil' is one I'll be on the lookout for.

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    Replies
    1. I find it much darker than "Blue Boy", and as you say larger and a far better clump.

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  4. it's a beauty !!!

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