John Rickard
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
CRASSULA capitella
Plant Common Name
General Description
A variable evergreen succulent found over a wide area of southeastern Africa, this low-growing perennial produces rosettes of fleshy, oval to lance-shaped, green or gray-green leaves that often have red spots, margins, or suffusion. Sparsely branched stems crowded with four-ranked leaves emerge from the rosettes in spring or early summer. The stems may be upright or prostrate, and the leaves hairy or smooth. Spike-like clusters of small white pink-tinged flowers appear at the stem tips in summer and early fall, attracting hummingbirds. This species is often grown in the form of subspecies thyrsiflora (formerly known as C. corymbulosa), which has smooth, densely packed leaves.
Like most succulents, this plant requires fast drainage, whether grown in gardens or containers. It prefers full sun, although requires light shade in hot desert climates. 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"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm
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Width
8"-24" / 20.3cm - 61.0cm
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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