It Has Flowers Now.........

..............I submitted an image of this Sempervivum tectorum on the 19th of June - in the last week or so it produced a thick growth from it's centre which looked a little odd - however, this morning this stem produced these flowers. As I have never had this plant before, I had no idea whether it flowered or not, and if it did, what the flowers would be like! They are unusual and very hairy!
The name Sempervivum has its origin in the Latin semper ("always") and vivus ("living"), because this perennial plant keeps its leaves in winter and is very resistant to difficult conditions of growth. The common name houseleek is believed to stem from the traditional practice of growing plants on the roofs of houses to ward off lightning strikes. The plant is not closely related to the true leek, which belongs to the onion family.
Other common names reflect the plant's ancient association with Thor, the Norse god of thunder, and the Roman Jupiter. Hence names such as "Jupiter's beard" and the German Donnersbart ("thunder beard"). I have also found out that it usually only flowers on much older plants than this and that when the flowers fade, the plant dies!! However, it usually leaves behind some off shoots - and sure enough, there are a number of smaller ones in the pot, so all is not lost, I'm pleased to say.

Anni is safely home - she rang me as she was driving back - apparently she has had a wonderful time - everyone she met gave her SUCH a warm welcome and made her feel so much at home. As her Mum, thank you everyone!

Weather now warm and sunny though it started off very dull - Temperature as at now (12.noon) is around 66deg.F.

L0wer case "L" will show even more hairier flowers!

sooc with cropping and a little sharpening