THE SEMPERVIVUM SOCIETY
JOURNAL
Facsimile of the original edition
VOLUME 6 – N° 1
1975
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
Comment
by Peter J. Mitchell
Firstly a warm welcome to the new Members of our Society and also a thank you to those who have
continues their support and interest.
The Society has arranged two 'Open Days' this year to be held on Saturday 24 May and Saturday 2 August
at 11 Wingle Tye Road, Burgess Hill in Sussex commencing at 2.00pm. Transport from the local BR station
can be arranged provided prior notice of the time of arrival is given. So far for all our 'Open Days' we have
had either fine or sunny days, let's hope that 1975 is no exception.
A brief reminder for those Members who have not as yet sent in their entries for the Award of Merit 1976,
these should be received by the Society by the end of June 1975. The full rules for entry appear in Vol. 5,
n° 1, pages 7 and 8 of the Society's Journal and some amendments are in Vol. 5, n° 2, page 11.
The design for the front cover of this issue of the Journal has been produced by Mrs. Anne Adams of
Rustington in Sussex, for which we are extremely grateful.
In March 1975 the Society filled the news gap by publishing, for the first time, an 'International
Newsletter'. It has been well received with many appreciative comments.
-1-
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
Synonyms
by Peter J. Mitchell
There are many many Sempervivums under cultivation bearing worthless names, usually referable to
unimportant forms of Sempervivum tectorum.
A synonym is a name applied to a species already validly named or one improperly used so that it must be
discarded.
'Les Joubarbes' by H. Correvon, published in 1924, lists well over 200 plants briefly described under
specific names. A large number of these plants and their names, even when correctly applied, refer to
unimportant forms of S. tectorum.
Most of the confusion arose from the continued introduction of slightly differing forms of the common
European species (S. arachnoideum, S. montanum and S. tectorum) and their hybrids over the years which
has lead many people to bestow specific names on these unfortunate plants.
It must be remembered that S. tectorum has a very wide geographical distribution, from Spain to the
Balkans, a distance of some 1250 miles. Obviously this must be taken into consideration as the geographical
distribution is connected by a number of different mountain ranges.
The Society has a number of geographical forms of S. tectorum, S. tectorum from Andorra (SM1094) and
S. tectorum from Val Minera (SM1095) are two quite distinct forms but are both S. tectorum. They are
separated by about 250 miles in their habitat.
Another, but somewhat differing, example is that of S. cantalicum. Originally sent from Europe to America
in the 1920's and 1930's it has arrived back in Britain and is being distributed as an American hybrid! In
reality it is a form of S. tectorum from southern France.
From my own experiences there are many Sempervivums in cultivation hopelessly and incorrectly named,
not only with almost every name ever given to any Sempervivum but also with names of other genera,
Aeonium, Sedum etc.
The names in the following list have been supplied by a number of Members and has been added to and
extended. It gives some indication of the extent of the number of worthless and useless names still retained
by collectors and growers of Sempervivums. The notes that follow are my own.
There are basically about 35 species of Sempervivum in general cultivation and the name on the left hand
side has been assigned to the correct species where possible, this, of course, assumes that the left hand name
has been correctly applied.
acuminatum = S. tectorum Lin. var. glaucum (Tenore)Praeger. S. acuminatum Schott has large glaucous
leaves. S. acuminatum Decaisne is referrable to Sempervivella alba.
adenotrichum = Sedum adenotrichum Wallich, a species from the Himalayas.
affine = S. tectorum Lin. The name, S. affine Lamotte
-2-
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
was published in 1864
ALARIC = I have been unable to trace this name in any literature.
albertii = Probably S. albernellii Hort. which is most likely referable to S. tectorum.
albidum = S. albidum Lehm. & Schnittsp., published in 1855 and according to Correvon has yellowish
white flowers. From Praeger, page 246, glabrous leaves, petals whitish, offsets strong and on long stems.
S. 'ODDITY' is given as being a mutation of S. albidum, which is as Praeger suggests a cross between
tectorum and wulfenii = S. ×widderi Lehm. & Schnittsp.
alpestre = S. montanum Linn.
ambiguum = S. tectorum Linn.
assimile = S. marmoreum Grisebach, distinguished from S. tectorum tectorum in that the young leaves of
marmoreum are hairy. The name 'RUBICUNDUM' is referable to S. marmoreum.
aureggii = S. tectorum Linn.
aureyii = Probably a mis-spelling of the above.
austriacum = Jovibarba allionii (Jordan & Fourreau) D.A. Webb. The only other hairy leaved Jovibarba
besides heuffelii (type plant).
baggeri = I have been unable to trace this name.
BOOTH'S RED = Probably an American hybrid.
borissovae = There is a plant under cultivation which is not the true S. borissovae Wale, but appears to be a
hybrid between S. arachnoideum and S. tectorum.
brevifolium = As the name implies, a plant with small leaves, but I have been unable to find any further
information.
brownii = Probably a form of S. tectorum.
bungeanum = A name of horticultural origin.
cannii = I have been unable to trace this name.
cantalicum = S. tectorum Linn., S. cantalicum of Jordan & Fourr. was found on the rocks of Central
France. It is not an American hybrid.
carneus = I have been unable to trace this name.
carniolicum = A name of horticultural origin.
charolensis = I have been unable to trace this name.
chrysanthum = A name of horticultural origin or a synonym of Rosularia chrysantha (pallida).
ciliatum = There are three authorities for this name:
1. S. ciliatum Gibibert = S. tectorum Linn.
2. S. ciliatum Hort ex Craib = S. ciliosum
3. S. ciliatum Schur. = Jovibarba sobolifera(?)
S. ciliatum rubrum is in the Reference Collection,
-3-
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
SM1202, which would appear to be a hybrid with arachnoideum as one of the parents. It is not any of
the three plants above.
clemanum = I have been unable to trace this name.
clusianum = S. tectorum Linn. Correvon stated that S. clusianum was a montanum with glabrous leaves,
however all montanums have a fine and dense pubescence on the leaves.
colchium = A name of horticultural origin.
comolli = S. ×calcaratum Hort. ex Baker, a very large growing hybrid.
COMPTE DE GONGAE = I have a plant under this name which is a S. tectorum.
CORNI DE GANZA = Correvon states that this plant is very closely related to S. ×calcaratum, but the
plants I have seen in England under this name are usually S. ×funckii.
cornutum = A name of horticultural origin.
corymbosum = Attributable to Jordan & Fourr. and is S. tectorum Linn.
cuspidatum = Orostachys spinosus (Linn.)Brg.
degenianum = I have been unable to trace this name.
delasoieii = S. ×barbulatum Schott, the aggregate name for hybrids between arachnoideum and montanum.
densum = Probably a hybrid between montanum and tectorum.
dichotomum = A name of horticultural origin.
elegans = Published in 1873 and is S. ×barbulatum.
excelsum = I have been unable to trace any record of this name.
fimbriatum = There are two authorities for this name:
1. Schnittsp. & Lehm., arachnoideum × montanum.
2. Schott, arachnoideum × wulfenii, which should be S. ×roseum nm. fimbriatum.
flagelliforme = S. montanum Linn., plants under the name S. flagelliforme usually have their offsets on
very long stolons.
flavipilum = S. ×fauconnetii Reuter, the aggregate name for arachnoideum × tectorum.
fontanae = as flavipilum.
frigidum = The plant generally found in cultivation is from Picos de Europa (Spain) and has not yet been
named. S. frigidum Lamotte is S. montanum Linn.
giganteum = S. tectorum Linn., this name is usually given to large growing forms of S. tectorum.
glaucum minor = Referable to a small growing form of S. tectorum var. glaucum, size qualifications of this
nature should generally be disregarded.
-4-
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
graecum = A name of horticultural origin.
grimmeri = I have been unable to trace this name.
helveticum = A name of horticultural origin referring to a plant from Switzerland.
HEY HEY = There are two plants under this name:
1. A small growing form of S. calcareum and is referable to the cultivar name 'GREENII'.
2. Refers to a hybrid raised by N. Moore in England.
hispidulum = Probably S. montanum Linn.
humile = A name of horticultural origin.
huteri = S. ×rupicolum Kerner, the name for hybrids of montanum and wulfenii.
KING LEAR = A garden hybrid of unknown origin.
kochii = Jovibarba arenaria (Koch)Opiz.
laetevirens = S. tectorum Linn.
laharpei = A name of horticultural origin, probably a form of S. tectorum.
lamottii = S. tectorum Linn.
latifolium = A name of horticultural origin.
lesurinum = S. tectorum Linn.
LILLE = Dr. Nixon states that this plant originally came from a Walter Marx, I have been unable to find out
any further information.
longifolium = A name of horticultural origin.
longobardum = A name of horticultural origin.
LOWE'S RUBICUNDUM = The name RUBICUNDUM refers to large growing forms of S. marmoreum Griseb.
LYNN'S CHOICE = I have been unable to trace this name.
magnificum = A name of horticultural origin but presumably refers to either a large growing plant or one
that is highly coloured.
MAHOGANY = A cultivar of S. tectorum.
MARK WELLER = I have been unable to trace this name.
MAUBY'S HYBRID = An incorrect spelling of S. 'MALBY'S HYBRID'.
michaelis-borsii = A plant mentioned in an English catalogue in 1943, it was collected in the Turda Gorge
in Rumania.
MINTO'S SEEDLING = I have been unable to trace this name.
moggridgei = A name of horticultural origin.
morellianum = A name mentioned by Farrer refering to a hybrid between arachnoideum and calcareum.
neideri = A name of horticultural origin.
niericum = I have been unable to find any record of this name.
-5-
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
obscurum = A name of horticultural origin.
OPITZ or opizii = As above.
pallidum = S. tectorum Linn.
palmense = Either Aichryson palmense Webb or Aeonium palmense Webb, both are from the canary
isles.
penicillatum = S. ×fauconnetii Reuter, arachnoideum × tectorum.
penniculatum = A mis-spelling of the above.
piliferum = S. ×fauconnetii Reuter.
pilosella = As above.
pomellii = From the description in Correvon's book it would appear to be a cross between arachnoideum
and tectorum.
potsi = I have been unable to trace this name.
powellii = A horticultural name, plants usually found under this name tend to be S. ×funckii.
praestabile = S. tectorum Linn.
pulchellum = A name of horticultural origin.
PURPLE BEAUTY = I have been unable to trace this name.
purpurea acutifolia = As above.
pyrenaicum = S. tectorum Linn., the name implies that the plant was collected in the Pyrenees.
QUEEN AMALEA = A corruption of the species S. reginae-amaliae Heldr. & Guicc. ex Halacsy.
RAUHREIF = I have been unable to trace this name but a recent German catalogue lists a plant under this
name.
RED SUMMER = I have been unable to trace this name.
reginae = See 'QUEEN AMALEA' above.
regis fernandii = I have been unable to trace this name.
rhodanicum = S. tectorum Linn.
rubellum = S. ×fauconnetii Reuter.
rubicundum minus = Presumably a small growing form of S. marmoreum.
RUBIN = A name of horticultural origin in current use.
RUBRA BORSCH = Possibly an American hybrid.
sabanum = A corruption of sabaudum = S. tectorum Linn.
SAGURA = Possibly a corruption of 'sequieri' which is Sedum dasyphyllum Linn.
sequeri = As above.
serotinum = A name of horticultural origin.
SIEBENBERGEN = I have been unable to trace this name.
SILVERINE = Possibly an American hybrid.
simonkaianum = Jovibarba hirta (Linn.)Opiz.
SNOWBERGER = Possibly an American hybrid.
-6-
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
speciosa = S. tectorum Linn.
speciosum = S. tectorum Linn.
SPINED TIPS = A name of horticultural origin.
stansfieldii = S. arachnoideum var. tomentosum 'STANSFIELDII'.
STARKER'S n° 3 = Presumably a glaucous hybrid.
studeri = A name of horticultural origin.
theoboldi = S. ×rupicolum Kerner, arachnoideum × wulfenii.
thomayeri = S. ×fauconnetii Reuter.
thompsonii = A .cultivar of S. ×fauconnetii.
THOMPSON'S DELIGHT = Presumably a hybrid but otherwise I have found no record.
tomentosum = S. arachnoideum var. tomentosum.
umbellatum = I have been unable to trace this name.
verlotii = S. ×schottii, montanum × tectorum.
virginius = A name of horticultural origin.
wandereri = I have been unable to find any information about this name.
WARD'S n° 2 = Obviously raised by Ward but otherwise I have no record of this name.
webbianum = S. arachnoideum var. tomentosum.
webbicum rubrum = Possibly an arachnoideum form or hybrid.
WESTCHESTER SEEDLING = Probably an American hybrid.
wettsteinii = I have been unable to trace this name.
WOLCOTT'S VARIETY = Presumably a hybrid but otherwise I have been unable to trace this name.
As can be seen from the list there are a number of names that I have been unable to trace; so if any Member
knows of any records of these plants or names the Society would be very grateful for any information.
Many of the names listed in the first column should be discarded and the more correct names used, this
would greatly assist in solving many of the outstanding nomenclature problems.
Lastly I would like to emphasis that all the above notes assume that the name in the left hand column has
been correctly applies.
Handbook
Copies of 'The Sempervivum & Jovibarba Handbook' published by the Society are available at the
following prices to Members:
£2.25 plus 25p postage & packing; US$8.00 inclusive of postage & packing.
-7-
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
S. leucanthum
S. cantabricum S. arachnoideum
S. giuseppii
-8-
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
Plant pictorial n° 1
This is the first of a series of plant pictorials which, it is hoped, will assist in showing the great variation in
our plants.
Sempervivum leucanthum Pancic
Reference Collection - SM1049
First collected in Bulgaria from the Rila Mountains. The rosette leaves are very hairy and have a dark
purple tip. The flowers are yellow.
Sempervivum cantabricum Huber, from Riaño
Reference Collection - SM1177
This is one of the ten geographical forms that are in the Reference Collection. Unlike the typical
cantabricum this particular form does not have the usual dark purple tips to the rosette leaves.
Sempervivum arachnoideum Linn.
Reference Collection - SM1005
This is one of the better species for flower colour, usually a glowing rose red, It tends to be rather under-
rated and generally regarded as a common species.
Sempervivum giuseppii Wale, from Peña Espigüete
Reference Collection - SM1182
This is a particularly hairy geographical form. S. giuseppii is generally thought by some to be a hybrid
between S. arachnoideum and S. cantabricum.
Recent publications
The Genus Sempervivum & Jovibarba
by Alan C. Smith
price: 30p including postage (US$1.25)
A botanical guide to the genera Sempervivum and Jovibarba by a well known figure in the nursery trade.
There is a key to the identification of the species and comprehensive notes under each entry in the guide. A
recommended addition to the enthusiasts library.
Succulents - A Glossary of Terms and Descriptions
by R.B. Ivimey-Cook
published by The National Cactus & Succulent Society
price: £1.70 including postage (US$6.50)
A comprehensive dictionary of the botanical terms and names found in succulent plant literature.
The glossary, which extends to 90 pages, is clearly set out in double columns and each entry is followed by
a concise description.
It is a pity that the entry for 'Sempervivum' is incorrect, according to the glossary these plants come from
Central and Southern Europe, W. Asia and N. America. There are no Sempervivums native to North
America.
-9-
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
Copies of both publications can be obtained through the Society. Please make all cheques, postal orders
payable to 'The Sempervivum Society'.
The changing Scene
by Mary Mitchell
Once again Spring is arriving and the colourings in our plants again come to life. During autumn and
winter we have experienced much rain and in early winter we were forced to protect the plants from the
excessive wet, some have still suffered and are still looking in very poor condition. The tiny bud of life in the
centre of the rosette is surrounded by dead brown leaves, no doubt eventually they will recover and S.
cantabricum will then reward us with its attractive bright green and brown markings.
Most of the species have yet to begin to show Spring colour, they are certainly later this year. However,
S. arachnoideum var. tomentosum 'KAPPA' has over the last two weeks turned from a dull grey-green to
glowing red and its near relatives S. 'JUBILEE' and S. 'KING GEORGE' are just following suit.
Many of the hybrids are among some of the most beautifully coloured. S. 'PACKARDIAN' is huge and an
indescribable orange-cerise colouring which just glows. S. 'CARNET' is pure red and really alive with colour,
later it will again change to the red and green of Summer. The pale apple-green of S. 'SPANISH DANCER' has
now over merely three days become flushed with rose-pink making it an attractive flat rosette.
S. 'EXCALIBUR', another flat rosette, but a much smaller size has almost buried itself in the grit during winter,
now, although still half buried it has attracted attention to its existence by becoming quite pink.
S. 'CREBBEN' another newcomer is in contrast to 'EXCALIBUR' its rosettes are stiffly erect and the leaves are
very succulent but in similarity to 'EXCALIBUR' the colour is turning to hues of red and pink.
Showing a striking difference in colour to the other plants is Jovibarba heuffelii 'YELLOW FORM'. Over
quite a number of weeks this plant has changed colour until now it is an unbelievable luminous yellow
giving it quite an appearance of artificiality although attractive for its unusualness. J. heuffelii 'TAN' (or more
correctly J. heuffelii var. glabra 'TAN') is another striking colour and can only be described as tan, it is a
pleasant change of colour in the many hues of red and green.
Time has elapsed and now a number of weeks later we are into May. The plants have indeed made a
wonderful recovery from the winter months and only a few show now the results of what they endured.
All the plants are now showing their beauty in colour. Changed from the earlier references, S.
'PACKARDIAN' is now deep red and S. 'EXCALIBUR' is mottled velvety dark pink and green with a distinct tip
of dark red. J. heuffelii 'TAN' is still beautiful and many more of the heuffeliis have now coloured and have
become more attractive than usual. J. heuffelii 'CHOCOLETO' and 'BRONZE INGOT' are the dark bronze with
the attractive pale edging and cilia whilst J. heuffelii 'MARY ANN' is pale sea green with rosy pink tips.
J. heuffelii 'YELLOW FORM' is now a much lighter yellow almost a deep cream in parts with the central leaf
bases
- 10 -
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
the green which becomes its summer and autumn colour. S. arachnoideum var. tormentosum 'SULTAN' has
turned to a rosy red although not the earliest to colour 'SULTAN' holds the red tint right into autumn.
S. tectorum 'RED FLUSH' is at its prime and the cerise red leaves stand erect exclaiming their beauty. The
olive green of S. 'OLIVETTE' the lavender of S. 'LAVENDER & OLD LACE', the deep red of S. 'OHIO
BURGUNDY', S. octopodes var. apetalum neat and trim suddenly burst runners everywhere and the montanum
now going skywards to flower, these are just some of the joys of our plants, the reward for our patience.
Names in current use
by Peter J. Mitchell
Sempervivum 'LADY KELLY'
Reference Collection - SM1222
A very popular hybrid of S. tectorum like appearance having large rosettes with reddish brown and purple
rosette leaves. A worth while addition to any collection of Sempervivums.
Sempervivum leucanthum Pancic
Reference Collection - SM1049
First described in 1853 from material collected in the Rila Mountains in south west Bulgaria.
The following description is taken from Praeger's 'Account of the Sempervivum Group' published in 1932:
Rather large, forming a loose mat. Rosettes 4 to 7 cm in diameter, flattish. Leaves many (70 to 80 to a rosette),
curved, erect in upper part, elongate-cuneate, widest close to the apex, abruptly contracted and cuspidate at the
purple tip, about 3.5 cm long, 1 cm broad, slightly convex on face, more so on back, densely glandular-pubescent
on both faces, ciliate on edges with longer glandular or eglandular hairs of unequal length. Offsets strong, on
stout stems up to 8 cm long. Flowering stem 10 to 20 cm long, glandular-hairy, densely clothed with oblong-
lanceolate glandular-hairy purple-tipped cuspidate erect leaves of equal or decreasing size, 1.5 to 2 cm long.
Inflorescence compact, flattish, 5 to 8 cm across, of 3 dichotomous glandular-hairy viscid branches. Buds ovoid,
hairy. Flowers subsessile, 11 to 13 parted, 2.5 cm across. Calyx 5 mm long, green, finely glandular-hairy with
hairs of unequal length, segments broadly lanceolate, apiculate, 2.5 to 4 mm long, purple-tipped. Petals 10 to 13
mm long, oblong-oblanceolate to linear-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, glandular-hairy on back and edges, pale
yellow or greenish-yellow, paler or greener on back, with a green nerve. Stamens 6 to 7 mm long, filaments
white, yellow, purplish or purple, tapering, hairy, anthers yellow. Scales greenish, subquadrate, or broader above
or below, about 0.5 mm long, 0.5 mm broad.. Ovaries 3 mm long, green, hairy inside and outside or glabrous,
styles 3 mm long.
S. leucanthum could be confused with two other species, S. kosaninii and
- 11 -
The Sempervivum Society Journal Volume 6 (1975) n° 1
S. pittonii, also possibly S. montanum var. stiriacum. All three p1ants have dark tips to their leaves, either
brown or purple.
Sempervivum leucanthum Pancic.
S. leucanthum has long narrow leaves which are broadest near the tip and are hairy on both sides. The
offsets are produced on long stout stolons.
S. pittonii is more compact, having smaller rosettes and the stolons are much shorter. It forms a neat and
compact group. S. kosaninii on the other hand is about the same size as S. leucanthum but has reddish-purple
flowers whereas the flowers of both S. leucanthum and S. pittonii are yellow. The other species mentioned,
S. montanum var. stiriacum has narrow leaves with a red-brown apex, the flowers are a violet-purple. A
distinguishing feature of S. montanum is that the offsets are produced on leafy stolons.
One other species with which S. leucanthum could be confused with is S. kindingeri, a plant with fewer
leaves and shorter stolons. The flowers are pale yellow.
Over the past few years this species has been more widely grown and has been much easier to obtain.
Although the leaves are hairy and it comes from the Balkans it is relatively easy to grow, however it is
doesn't appear to be over generous with offsets and it tends to flower too much.
____________________________
- 12 -