Crassula ovata ‘Variegata’

Crassula argentea f. variegata

Variegated Jade Plant, Lemon & Lime Crassula

Crassulaceae

South Africa

one-gallon

3-4'

1-3'

25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C

High heat tolerance

Part shade inland to full sun along the coast. In hottest climates shade leaves during extended heat waves to avoid sun burning of leaves.

Drought tolerant but can take irrigation in well-drained soils. Avoid watering in cool, wet winters.

None

Crassula ovata 'Variegata' is an excellent container plant. It can also be grown as a specimen plant in rock, succulent or cactus gardens. The white to ivory and green striped coloring works well with white flowering plants and with silver foliage. This crassula is both fire and deer resistant, making it both a great addition to a near frost-free landscape, and it is interesting when used in large groups. C. ovata ‘Variegata’ can be grown as a houseplant in bright light.

This plant can be propagated from stem and leaf cuttings which should be allowed to callus over before planting. It does not come true from seed.

Requires well-draining soils to avoid root and stem rot. Occasional problems with mealybugs and rarely with scale.

C. ovata ‘Variegata’ is similar to the species in form, but has white to cream striped variegation and more spoon-shaped leaves. Some young leaf tips also have a pinkish hue to them. It is slower growing than the species, but is still a tough, easy-to-grow plant. In late-winter and spring, when few other plants bloom, older plants will flower and are covered by pretty small white star-shaped flowers (typical of Crassulaceae). Bees and other helpful insects are attracted to the flowers. Although established plants can take light frosts it is best to protect them as the attractive leaves will be damaged.