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Alpine RockeryCactus Succulent

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

Synonyms
Sedum sarcocaule hort.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H3
Botanical details
Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

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