Crassula arborescens

Family: Crassulaceae (Crassula family)

Common names: Tree Crassula (E); Beestebul (A); Umchobozovithi (Sw);

Native to: Southern Africa

Shrub, Succulent, Tree

An attractive small succulent tree or shrub with grey-green foliage.

Crassula arborescens

EVERGREEN

SEMI-DECIDUOUS

FULL SUN

FROST HARDY

LOW WATER REQUIREMENTS

FAST GROWER

FRAGRANT

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

2m x 2m

MAXIMUM SIZE:

3m x 3m

FLOWERING TIME:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

FRUITING TIME:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

DESCRIPTION

A magnificent succulent shrub or small tree which bears attractive grey-green foliage. When in flower, it is covered in masses of tiny white or pale pink, sweetly-scented flowers which are rich in nectar and attract a host of insects.

WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Attracts bees and butterflies to the garden.
A number of bird species nest in their dense foliage.

WATER REQUIREMENTS

Water lightly in summer.

MAINTENANCE

Crassula arborescens is a low maintenance and water-wise plant.

LANDSCAPING USES

A wonderful addition to a succulent garden as it adds height and structure.
This plant is beneficial for a wildlife-friendly garden as it attracts a host of insect pollinators.

GARDEN THEMES

Rockery, Succulent

FLOWERS

Very showy flowers are borne in dense branches and are carried slightly above the foliage. The flowers are star-like, white to pink. When flowering, the plant is almost completely covered with flowers. After pollination, the flowers turn to a papery brown.

FOLIAGE

The leaves are thick and fleshy, with a blue-grey, waxy bloom. The apex is rounded with an obscure, sharpish tip, the base may be tapering (narrowing towards one end), the margins are entire often with a reddish rim, and the petiole is very short or absent. Newer leaves have red spots dotted on the upper third of the leaf.

SEED

Seeds are very small and dispersed by the wind.

BUTTERFLY/MOTH HOST PLANT

Anthene definita (Common Hairtail)

PESTS & DISEASES

Seldom attacked by pests and disease.

CULTIVATION

Easily propagated by cuttings.

PLANTBOOK