Sempervivum 'Bella Donna'

Tonight another alpine, Sempervivum 'Bella Donna'. In most climates (the exception being overly hot and dry climates) these are extremely easy to grow. So easy, in fact, that it's hard to get many people to take them seriously. These are those "hand me down" or "pick some up on the morning walk through the neighborhood" plants. They aren't called "Hens & Chicks" or "Live Forevers" (Semper = forever; vivum = live) for no reason.

But give these plants a second look. They're succulent but do best in cooler climates. They tolerate a wide variety of soils but do best in the worst of soils - with good drainage. Rock gardens, certainly. Green roofs, of course. But not for a house plant, thank you. They like the rough and tumble of outdoor life, year around.