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Bill Murray
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Joined: Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:50 pm
Location: Tidworth, Hants

HOUSELEEKS

Hi all, new member hjere!
I have some Houseleek plants & want to establish a couple on my concrete tiled roof, & have no clue how to go about it...have you any ideas please?
decam0
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Location: London, England

Hi Bill Murray (not THE Bill Murray I presume!)

You'll need to find a way to keep a little gritty compost on the roof to start them off. Once they're established, they'll make their own compost by natural de-composition (is that the right word?).

The following link might help...
https://www.succulent-plant.com/sempervivum.html

Delia
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Location: Summerville, GA, Zone 7a

I've never heard of houseleeks... but I do know those plants!

I've seen those plants labeled as "hens and chicks" here locally, and I think they are all related to Sedum? I think sedum is close to the sempervivium family- they do well in rocky areas, like tucked into the side of a mountain rock wall with just a little dirt put in.

So you grow these on your house???
Bill Murray
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Location: Tidworth, Hants

Of course I'm THE Bill Murray, just not that actor feller....Sedum is the right plant, known as houseleeks I understand, for the tradition of growing on the tiles of a roof over a doorway for good luck or to ward off evil spirits etc!
decam0
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Location: London, England

hi again!
Sedum is commonly known as stonecrop, and Sempervivum is houseleek. They both belong to the genus Crassulaceae, and can both be found growing on roofs. :D
Delia
Bill Murray
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Location: Tidworth, Hants

Delia, thanks so much for all the info...also the website which was very helpful....
Cheers
BillBill
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Interesting stuff.
Most I ever do with sedum is crack a dumb joke - usually when somebody new learns about sedum from me. The good part is... they usually don't forget the name after that.

Sedum? Yes I see dem, der over der!
Bill Murray
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Location: Tidworth, Hants

Hi Renee
Thanks for you reply...I'm not sure I need any more, but would be interested to have a look at whats available please.
Cheers
Bill
grandpasrose
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Bill,I had never heard that adage before, I will have to plant some on my roof! I have them growing everywhere else, why not there! Sounds cool. 8)
I love plant lore! :wink:

Val


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