I checked out the area Green Wheel is in today. I tried picking off some dead leaves on some of the chicks and they're just rotted off the stolons. It is not in a sunken area as I had suspected. It's really odd to me. I planted this one as 4 offsets in May of last year and it made it through its first year great. I don't feel like it's a drainage issue because how could they have done well as offsets for a year? Maybe the colonies trapped lilac flowers/debris? Is that possible that leaf litter got trapped inside the colony?

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What a change. It would be helpful to clean out all the dead stuff and see how it does through this winter. I can also see that the large rosette in the center is showing rot on the lower leaves.

JesseInCT said:I checked out the area Green Wheel is in today. I tried picking off some dead leaves on some of the chicks and they're just rotted off the stolons. It is not in a sunken area as I had suspected. It's really odd to me. I planted this one as 4 offsets in May of last year and it made it through its first year great. I don't feel like it's a drainage issue because how could they have done well as offsets for a year? Maybe the colonies trapped lilac flowers/debris? Is that possible that leaf litter got trapped inside the colony?

May 2019-


Sept 2019


March 2020


May 2020


June 2020


Oct 2020

Well, I didn't get a chance to clean up my Green Wheel colony before winter and it's a goner



I found a handful of healthy chicks so I am going to clean them up and replant in a pot and try them in a different spot.

OH NO!!!!!!1 hopefully those baby chicks will do better!

Jesse, I am so sorry, such a sad thing to see. Thankfully there are a few to carry on. 'Green Wheel' was always such a tough semp for me in our very wet winter/spring conditions. Mine were even piled on each other in one of the hole in the cement block walls of the beds. I know it was very fast draining sandy loam, with a lot of chicken grit piled on top if that.

Holy Smokes, Jesse! I'm hoping the last 5 you found will be carrying on the Green Wheel line for you

October 2021- It's time for the Webesemps Coddling! Started gathering pots that need work with my tweezers in preparation for Fall turning to Winter soon. Some pots had more dead leaves than others, and some dead leaves were easier to pull out whole, while other leaves came off in bits and pieces. A whole lot of work but semps look better, you have to believe me!


Good to see all the dead leaves off

Wow, you got some work done today Bev. Bet they are looking good.

I have to say that more larger, robust leaves come off entirely and easier with blunt end tweezers. Using sharper end tweezers result in leaves coming off in bits and pieces. They are better to use for smaller, thinner width leaves. I realize now why the dental hygienist uses so many different tools for cleaning my teeth.

Don't think I don't appreciate that type of preparation on their part!!

Sending you virtual hugs from afar Bev.

Thanks Lynn. Hope you are enjoying the family time!

We are having a wonderful time. Went to Epicure restaurant in Fairfax and had a fun time listening to Mathuin's Jazz Band play. What an upbeat and fun place, with great food.
Last night we went to watch football and see the half time performance of Chantilly's marching band. Sahsa plays trombone.
Need to go to Merrifield Garden Center. Love that place.

Leaving you with a photo of 'Black Magic Women' taken June 29th.

Wonderful orange and red combination!

It is a wonderful semps you're around

Hello to all in Fairfax from me in Colorado. I have my stuff pretty well winterized except for the leaf removal, which usually ends about Thanksgiving.

Does that semp stay that color all year? Veerrrry interesting....

Hi Marilyn. Wish you were here.
'Black Magic Woman' goes through wonderful seasonal changes.
Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum 'Black Magic Woman')

Wow, impressive. Makes me want to try one more time. But no, I have killed too many already.

Wish I could be there, too.

Hiya Marilyn Are you prepared for this winter in Colorado? I feel chilled just asking you.