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CRASSULA capitella

Image of Crassula capitella

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

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    12 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Cactus or Succulent

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm

  • Width

    8"-24" / 20.3cm - 61.0cm

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    Southern Africa

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Pink

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Red, Light Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Red, Light Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Red, Light Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Red, Light Green, Gray Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Bold

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No