Sempervivum calcareum 'Grigg's Surprise' is a rare and intriguing succulent that will add unique character to any collection. This monstrose cultivar is a mutation of Sempervivum calcareum, and instead of the usual flat-leaved rosette, it forms masses of long, slender quills that are blue-green in color and tipped in deep burgundy. These unusual leaves are tubular and fused together to form rosettes that are more solid and denser than the parent plant.
This slow-growing succulent offsets to form fat, dense colonies that can reach up to 30cm in height, making it a great addition to a garden or pot. Happy in full sun or part shade positions, Sempervivum calcareum 'Grigg's Surprise' is a hardy plant that thrives in gritty, well-draining soils and pots with drainage holes. It produces new offsets or "chicks" on stolons, which can be left to form tidy clusters or removed to share and transplant.
Sempervivum do most of their growing in the spring and summer, and will thrive with weekly watering and afternoon shade if temperatures exceed 80F. They are incredibly frost hardy and will happily thrive through winter under an insulating blanket of snow. However, it is important to protect them from heavy rains and standing water to prevent rot.
This bizarre succulent is not very vigorous and flowers very rarely, but it has a unique look that always adds interest to a collection. It is great for 'Under the Sea' themed gardens and can be grown either in pots or in the garden. Sempervivum calcareum 'Grigg's Surprise' is definitely a plant for the collector, and its rarity and unusual form make it a must-have for the discerning succulent enthusiast.
Sempervivum calcareum 'Grigg's Surprise' plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants to those shown in images. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.
First time customers... Please read our Shipping Guide, in top or bottom menu, before placing your order.
Please Note:
- All plants are sent bare rooted with no pots and soil, or minimum soil only.
- Due to the drying process necessary for sending plants through the mail, plants may look slightly different than images shown on our website
- Some plants, may look wrinkled when they arrive, may be somewhat limp, or soft to the touch. This is normal as they have been dried out for for a number of days before shipping to avoid rotting in the mail.
- Succulents are very hardy plants and they will recover quickly, providing you unpack them as soon as you receive them follow some simple care instructions you will find with your order.
If you have any questions or concerns at all, please message us via our Facebook page at John & Norma's Succulents for the fastest Response.