It's ok, I'm going to take a picture. But it'll be after I get some other chores done. But I'll do it today. I've got to get some others off loaded too. I took some pictures of Pacific Shadows yesterday. My Pacific Shadows is just amazing in how well it holds color. It's a shame that the color is just a reddish brown.

Can't wait to see it. : )

I should also have some Raspberry Ice in the spring. Here's a picture from last year, showing nice color. However, they did not color up so well this year, I think because they were not in enough sun. The second pic shows one in bloom, somewhat out of focus.

Ahhh, just look at their wonderful fuzziness. They are really different from anything I have. We will see if I end up with one or two tiny offsets from the one plant. They are still looking like they are normal offsets.

My Raspberry Ice seems to be less fuzzy in its green stage.
Here it is this past early June:



And here it is now. It's been kept in a shady area so it's a bit lanky and flattened out:

To me the June stage looks like they are sprinkles with diamond dust and ruby chips. That is why I loved the plant so much.

Especially with morning dew.

Here is another one that has that same jewel encrusted look.
S. 'Aglow' 3/28/2011 with morning dew.


Twit can you think of some others that do this?

I think its caused by fine cilia on the leaves, so would look for that, then follow up with a day with heavy dew.

Anne Christy (the one in my avatar) was another one that looked like it had blood red drops on it in the morning. It really caught my eye.

My top 5 change through the seasons, but right now these are my top 5.

S. 'Aphrodite'


S. 'Cherry Frost' - has been a favorite all year!


S. 'Pacific Blue Ice'


S. 'Uranus'


S. 'Plum Rose'

I find I have to agree with you about Pacific Blue Ice - very nice. Of the others, I have only Cherry Frost, but it has not colored up like yours for me yet. It's relatively new in my collection.

'Cherry Frost' was new for me this Spring, but it's been beautiful since the day I got it. Hope it overwinters well. 'Uranus' looks like that all the time, but I really like it because if you see it in person, it seems to be this tough, sturdy, solid plant - no frills, just getting the job done.

They are all beautiful Chris.

I picked up a Cherry Frost at the jumble sale for a $1 last week, but mine is entirely green. I hope it was labeled correctly.

Tabby, depending on what light they had it in it could very well be green now. I'm sure with your expert care it will greatly improve in appearance now.

Tabby, My 'Cherry Frost' is completely green also. We can compare plants in the spring.Hopefully one or both are labeled correctly.

Chris, I love your top 5. Great color!!!

Twit, a question for you. I have several semps that I will be attempting to over winter in plastic pots. In Colorado, we typically do not have snow cover throughout the whole winter.At least in Denver. Do you place your pots in a particular area? (under a tree/porch, in the yard) Do you think they would have a better chance of surviving the winter if I carted them up to the mountains where they would have snow cover throughout the entire winter?

Sandi, In plastic pots, I would place them on the ground in a place sheltered from the wind, then water occasionally (and lightly) a bit with cold water when the temps are above freezing (Put the water jug outside for a few hours and if it is not freezing the water, then it is OK to water a bit). You could also cover them to shield them from the wind, but not with plastic. The issue for me has always been them drying out in frigid winter winds when there is no moisture.

Another strategy would be to sink the pots up to the rim in the ground and water the ground around them. A cover, such as an old sheet, would not hurt.

Proximity with the ground does help to keep them from drying out.

Having said that, each climate is slightly different, so you will need to see what works for you. A few minor losses are inevitable, but we get better as we learn the local needs.

My 'Cherry Frost' is on the north side of the house and only gets a few hours of mid afternoon sun. Apparently that location agrees with it. I was surprised how colorful it stayed all summer.

This is another favorite for me right now. The bloom bouquet is very diminutive and sweet. I love seeing them against the light color of the cobwebby rosettes.
S. arach. 'Ali'