The July Perennial and Houseplant of the Month
Sempervivum ‘Supersemp Jade’ and Tradescantia ‘Pistachio White’
We’re paying a little more well-deserved attention to a select perennial and houseplant each month. And when you download the free Bedner’s app, you’ll save $5ea on this month’s perennial and $2ea on this month’s houseplant during the month of July.
Sempervivum ‘Supersemp Jade’
Otherwise known as ‘Hens & Chicks,’ Sempervivum ‘Supersemp Jade’ begins as single tufted green rosettes that quickly develop into a clump of densely packed geometric patterns. You can leave these single maroon rosettes (or ‘chicks’) to form even more tight clusters or pluck them to share and transplant.
Rosettes can reach an impressive eight inches tall and wide, with a clean, bright green base and flushes of burgundy and rosy-red extending toward the tips.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this succulent wasn’t made for winter, since it thrives in full sun, is drought tolerant and is at its most colorful with plenty of sunlight. But surprisingly, Sempervivum is very frost hardy, and will easily overwinter, turning a beautiful lavender color in winter.
Yours will do their best in gritty, well-draining soil, the kind you’d find in rock gardens or along walls and hardscapes. They also make great container plants in pots with drainage holes.
Tradescantia ‘Pistachio White’
‘Pistachio White’ sounds kind of delicious, doesn’t it? The name paints a pretty picture of what makes this new houseplant (that doubles as a trailing annual in outdoor planters) so special: its creamy mint-green leaves with painterly stripes of heavy white variegation. More variegation, in fact, than any other tradescantia.
This fast-growing plant makes a wonderful hanging houseplant that prefers bright indirect light. Your plant’s variegation will look its best in bright (but not scorching direct) light. Tradescantia prefers slighter drier soil, so wait until the top inch feels dry to the touch before watering. Try to avoid standing water or overwatering.
Enjoy its trailing habit or trim yours to keep it full and bushy. Save your cuttings for repotting and sharing with others because Tradescantia is considered one of the easiest houseplants to propagate.
Remember, when you download the free Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse app, you’ll save on a new Perennial and Houseplant every month.
The people of Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse are here to inspire future plant people. We care about the vast benefits to our environment, health and quality of life, and would love to share it all with you. Ask if you have any questions on how to plant and care for your perennials and houseplants. We’d be thrilled to help.
