John Rickard
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
CRASSULA capitella 'Campfire'
Plant Common Name
General Description
A showy-leaved cultivar of a an evergreen succulent from southeastern Africa, this low-growing perennial produces rosettes of fleshy, narrowly oval, bright green leaves that turn orange and scarlet in hot dry weather. Lax, sparsely branched stems emerge from the rosettes in spring or early summer, bearing four-ranked leaves that decrease in size toward the stem tips. These leaves also turn brilliant colors as they mature. Spike-like clusters of small white pink-tinged flowers appear on short stalks in summer and early fall, attracting hummingbirds.
Like most succulents, this plant requires fast drainage, whether grown in gardens or containers. It prefers full sun, although requires shade from scorching sun. Remove spent flower stems to improve appearance and prevent self-sowing. Container grown plants may be kept indoors over winter.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
12 - 15
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
6"-10" / 15.2cm - 25.4cm
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Width
18"-36" / 45.7cm - 91.4cm
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Southern Africa
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Red, Light Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Red, Light Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Red, Light Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Red, Light Green, Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No