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Products > Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans
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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Red/Purple Foliage: Yes |
| Flower Color: Cream |
| Bloomtime: Summer/Fall |
| Synonyms: [Crassula radicans, Globulea radicans] |
| Height: <1 foot |
| Width: <1 foot |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans (Red Carpet) - A dense low growing plant growing nearly flat (2 to 6 inches high) and spreading 2 to 3 feet wide with older stems rooting at the nodes and short upright stems congested with small flat succulent leaves that are green much of the year but flush bright red in winter when grown in full sun. In the winter also appear the the tight rounded clusters of small white flowers on stalks a few inches above the foliage. Plant in a well-drained soil in full to part sun - requires some shade in hot inland locations but color is best with the most light. Requires little water to survive and withholding water is summer also seems to turn foliage reddish and tolerates most any soil condition. Frost hardy to 25° F. This plant from the Eastern Cape of South Africa was first introduced into cultivation in 1823 and has long been cherished by collectors for its attractive reddish foliage that offers a nice foil for the cheery clusters of white flowers. It is similar in looks to the larger Crassula platyphylla, which also has these flattened reddish leaves but this plant is considerably smaller. A great little plant in the near frost free garden as a groundcover where it requires little water and is fire resistant; also useful in containers. Another common name for this plant is Carpet Jade. Our stock on this plant from the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, California. The genus Crassula was a name Linnaeus first used in 1753 and comes from the Latin word 'crassus' meaning "thick" that refers to the thick plump leaves of many in the genus. The specific epithet is Latin for "rooting" in reference to the stems of this plant rooting as it grows along the ground.
This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans.
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