The genus Crassula is one of the most diverse succulent genera, varying from tiny moss-like annual plants to 2m tall succulent trees like Crassula ovata. Belonging to the Crassulaceae family, there are more than 300 Crassula species of which approx. 150 are found in southern Africa, where they are widespread but concentrated in the semi-arid winter-rainfall areas. The centre of distribution of this genus is in southern Africa, but they extend beyond Africa into Europe, America, Australia, New Zealand and the southern islands. The name Crassula is the diminutive of the Latin crassus which means thick or fat, referring to the fleshy nature of the genus as a whole. This popular genus offers an extensive array of sizes, growing forms and textures making them perfect for landscaping, rockeries, windowsill plants or to be grown in containers. They can also be grown indoors as house plants. Those that make excellent house plants are the glossy leaf varieties. Crassulas, given a rich, well-drained medium will grow fast and luxuriantly.

Large flat-topped clusters of bright red flowers make this drought tolerant succulent a real eye catcher. And they also make great landing pads for butterflies that love to feed from the nectar! The flower heads get to be about 15cm wide and bloom in summer. The foliage is pretty cool too. The triangular leaves overlap to form a “braided” look to the stems. The plant has many of these stems with a bloom at each tip and the plant gets to be about 50cm tall & wide. It would look great growing amongst bronzy coloured grasses, which would make a nice foliar contrast to the red blooms. It is indigenous to South Africa and grows best in well-drained soil.