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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Red |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [C. perfoliata var. falcata, var. minor ] |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Crassula falcata (Airplane plant) - Succulent plant from the Cape of Good Hope that grows to 2 feet tall (some sources say 3 ft but we've never seen it!) with gray-green 4 inch long by 1 inch wide sickle-shaped leaves that are arranged in overlapping pairs along a usually unbranched stem. Tiny scarlet red flowers are massed together in very showy dense clusters that rise above foliage in mid summer. The flowers open slowly and last for nearly a month when in full bloom. Attractive and interesting when not in bloom but a show stopper when the bright red flowers emerge. Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil. Requires very little irrigation in coastal gardens, irrigate occasionally in hotter inland climates. Hardy to at least 20° F. This plant, long grown as Rochea falcata and then Crassula falcata is now correctly named Crassula perfoliata var. minor though we continue to list is a Crassula falcata until such time as this name is better recognized. The genus Crassula is a Linnaean name first used in 1753 and comes from the Latin word 'crassus' meaning "thick" that refers to the thick plump leaves of many of the genus. The specific epithet is from the Latin word 'falcat' and means "sickle shaped" with reference to the long narrow recurved leaves. These leaves radiate outward in opposite directions like wings, which gives the plant the common name "Airplane Plant". Another common name used for this plant is Scarlet Paintbrush, refering to the beautiful flowers.
The information provided on this page is based on research we have conducted about this plant in our nursery's library, from what we have found about it on reliable online sources, as well as from observations in our nursery of crops of this plant as well as of plants growing in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens. We will also incorporate comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if it includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Crassula falcata. |
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