Not a single alpine hill or rock garden can do without young plantings. The plant, which has a gorgeous rosette of fleshy leaves and a tall peduncle, can be used in group plantings or created as separate compositions. Juvenile has several types, which differ not only in leaf shape, but also in color.
Description of the plant
Belongs to the Tolstyankov family. The appearance fully corresponds to the name.Having thickened shoots and leaves, it stands out from the variety of other species. It is called the stone rose because its rosette resembles a rosebud that grows straight from the ground.
The inflorescences of juveniles grow very densely one to one, forming entire groups of dozens of plants growing together. The leaves are dense and fleshy, with sharp ends, closed in a rosette. The star-shaped flowers come in yellow, pink and white. They are located on single shoots that grow up to 20 centimeters in height.
Types of Young
It is important not to confuse plant species and varieties. Species are created by nature in the process of development, and varieties are bred by man (breeder). In nature, there are 12 main species of this crop and more than 50 subspecies.
Roofing rejuvenated
Refers to large representatives of sempervivum. The circumference of its rosette is 20, and its height is 8 centimeters. Peduncles with leaves on them are strewn with flowers. Height – up to 60 centimeters.
It blooms in mid-summer and ends at the end of August. The flowers are dark or light cherry in color. Stone rose reproduces quickly. The leaves, slightly pointed at the ends, are collected in a bunch. The shoots are red in color. This species has two subspecies:
- with purple leaves;
- brown leaves.
The size of the rosettes is from 3 to 20 centimeters.
Russian
This type of rosette can be up to 35 centimeters wide, with a base of only 7 centimeters. A special feature is the stems, covered with hairs and grooves. The leaves of the rosettes are elongated. The inflorescences are yellow, fluffy, up to 10 centimeters high. They begin to bloom in July-August. Flowering lasts no more than 40 days.
Cobwebby
It is this type of sempervivum that attracts attention with its appearance. The perennial has spherical rosettes - up to 2 centimeters. Lush green leaves with cherry edges.It got its name because of the white, intertwined threads that are located on the leaves of the plant. Visually they resemble a spider's web.
The purple-red flowers of this species appear by mid-July. The spiderweed has other varieties that differ in leaf color and size.
Marble
The Mramornoe youngster is distinguished by its slight hairiness at an early age. The leaves are green at the base and red in the middle and tips. The width of the juvenile is up to 10 centimeters. The peduncles are strewn with red flowers, decorated with a white edge. They stretch up to 20 centimeters in height.
spherical
It takes root well on rocky soil and does not tolerate shade or stagnant moisture. Having small rosettes (only 3 centimeters), it produces a peduncle to a height of 15 centimeters. Blooms in July. Green-yellow flowers are densely arranged and bloom together. The leaves are green with red edges.
undersized
This one had young small rosettes - up to 2.5 centimeters. The green leaves have pointed edges that resemble cilia. Peduncles with leaves along the trunk stretch up to 25 centimeters. The flowers are lilac-red, delicate. Each petal has a darker stripe in the middle. Flowering lasts from the last days of June to mid-August.
Caucasian
The Caucasian species deserves special attention. The rosette can stretch up to 20 in height, and its width does not exceed 5 centimeters. The stems are shaggy, as they are covered with multiple glandular hairs. The inflorescence stretches up to 7 centimeters, with many purple and lilac flowers.
Important! If you do not intend to collect seeds, then after flowering the peduncle must be removed. When seeds form, the peduncle dries out, and the rosette itself begins to dry out, resulting in the death of the plant.
Varieties were young
Sempervivum has many varieties and forms of hybrid origin. Some can even be grown indoors. Many have become very popular among gardeners.
Wulfen looked younger
One of the favorites of flower growers. It attracts with glossy leaves, along the edges of which there are eyelashes. The rosettes are small – up to 5 centimeters in diameter; they shoot out a peduncle up to 25 centimeters in length. Lemon-colored flowers with a pleasant aroma. In the center there is a spot of purple hue.
Gamma
This spectacular variety was recently developed. It differs from other specimens in the dark brown color of the leaves. It blooms with white flowers starting in mid-summer.
Planting and caring for young
In order for the sempervivum to be pleasing to the eye, it needs to be provided with certain conditions for growth and reproduction.
Features of cultivation
The agricultural technology of this flower is very simple. He is not afraid of spring frosts, drought, or the scorching summer sun. Does not require fertilizers or systematic watering. Not prone to diseases (except rot) and not affected by pests.
The following growing rules must be taken into account:
- Loves bright and sunny areas. In the shade, the leaves will become dull and the plant will slow down in growth and development. Rockeries and alpine slides are the best option.
- Grows in different soils, except damp ones where moisture stagnates. Prefers loose and light soils.
- Replanting should be done when the rosette becomes noticeably smaller and curls. Approximately once every 3 years, in early autumn.
- It only needs watering in dry weather, as it tolerates drought calmly. Excessive watering is not recommended, since when moisture stagnates, the plant is affected by rot.
- Preparing for winter. Mature plants are winter-hardy.Only young individuals need shelter. You can cover it with spruce branches or special covering material.
- It is necessary to promptly remove faded flower stalks and rotten leaves. After watering, the soil needs to be loosened.
Even a beginner can cope with these simple care rules.
Reproduction young
The young reproduce well on their own. A bud forms on the stems that come from the mother plant, which then forms a rosette. When it reaches the soil, it immediately begins to take root. There are several such processes from the mother rosette.
Over time, there may be about 10 children around her. Within a year they grow into an adult plant. They are separated and transplanted to a new location. The distance from each other is about 7 centimeters. Young plants take root and take root well.
Use in the garden
The main use of sempervivum is, of course, alpine slides and rockeries. Compositions of these plants can decorate any stone garden. They fit perfectly into any style and size.
Some varieties, with small rosettes and peduncles, are used for small rockeries. The number and variety of species and varieties allows you to make even a green carpet in the beds, as well as create individual small compositions.
A very popular hybrid variety is Pharaoh. It is always used in group plantings. All varieties and types of juveniles harmonize well with saxifrage and sedum.
Diseases and pests
Birds are the main pests of plant leaves. The root system is damaged by the larvae. The affected flower begins to fade and needs to be replanted. The previous place needs to be cleared of larvae.
Diseases include rot. It may appear at the base of the rosette due to overwatering or damp and rainy weather.Rotten leaves need to be removed.
Medicinal properties
Juveniles have long been used in medicine. After all, it has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and analgesic properties..
It is used in the treatment of such diseases:
- stomach ulcer;
- scurvy;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- stomatitis;
- epilepsy;
- fever.
For an insect bite, wound, or cut, you can use a crushed leaf of the young. The juice of the plant removes age spots on the face and freckles.
Important! Before using the plant for medicinal purposes, you should consult your doctor.
There are not many plants that do not require much attention. Rejuvenation is one of them. It is not for nothing that gardeners love it so much: it is unpretentious, beautiful and can become a decoration for any garden. And there are a large number of its varieties.
