Crassula sarcocaulis
bonsai crassula
A shrubby perennial succulent, 20-60cm high, with erect fleshy stems and many branches; leaves are narrow, pointed, red-tinged mid-green, 1-3cm long and 1-8mm wide. Clusters of starry pale pink or white flowers appear in late summer; the flowers are scented but not everybody finds the scent pleasant
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown | Green Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Pink White | Green Red | |
| Autumn | Brown | Green Red | ||
| Winter | Brown | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Crassula can be succulent annuals, perennials, evergreen shrubs or sub-shrubs, with fleshy leaves and small, star-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in a terminal cluster
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa to Malawi
How to grow
Cultivation
Unusually for this genus, this is a frost-tolerant species and can tolerate temperatures down to -5°C. Grow in very well-drained soil in full sun, for example in sheltered parts of a rock garden; it can also be grown under glass, in cactus compost in full light. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in early spring, or by stem or leaf cuttings in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Houseplants
- Rock garden
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, vine weevils, scale insects and aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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