Crassula radicans
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Crassula radicans, also known as “Red Carpet”, is an easy-to-grow succulent ground cover in warm climate dry gardens. It has a dense, low growing habit and flat succulent leaves that are green in winter and turn red under the stress of full sun and drought. Its red winter color is an asset to brighten up succulent and cactus gardens in cooler months. Low growing, Crassula radicans has the appearance of a more alpine plant especially when in bloom so it looks fantastic in rock gardens. As a bonus it is not particular about soil types.
This plant is easily propagated and spread by taking stem or rooted cuttings and replanting them. Plants spread by rooting at the leaf nodes forming a large carpet over time.
Crassula radicans flowers mostly in late winter and early spring with attractive globe-shaped white to pink clusters held slightly above the low foliage on delicate red stems. The flowers attract bees and other helpful pollinators.
A native of South Africa, Crassula radicans has been in cultivation since 1823 and is popular with collectors because of its foliage color and attractive flower clusters. The genus Crassula was named by Linnaeus in 1753 after the word ‘crassus’ meaning “thick” in reference to the thick plump leaves of most plants in the genus. ‘Radicans’ refers to “rooting” as the stems of this plant root as they grow along the ground.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans, Globulea radicans, Crassula decumbens Thunb.
Common Names: Red Carpet, Carpet Jade
Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Eastern Cape of South Africa
Height: 2″
Width: 2-3′
Cold Tolerance: 30° to 35°F; -1.1° to 1.7°C
Heat Tolerance: High heat tolerance
Light Requirement: Light shade in hottest inland locations in summer to full sun elsewhere
Water needs: Very drought tolerant
Maintenance: None
Uses: This plant makes a great ground cover in warm climate dry gardens. Its red winter color is an asset to brighten up succulent and cactus gardens in cooler months. Low growing, it has the appearance of a more alpine plant especially when in bloom so it looks fantastic in rock gardens. As a bonus, it is not particular about soil types.
Propagation: This plant is easily propagated and spread by taking stem or rooted cuttings and replanting them.
Problems: Occasional insect problems with scale, snails and slugs.
Research Links:
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3851
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/62900/
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/273521
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Crassulaceae/Crassula_radicans.html
Shipping & Availability
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There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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