Description

Crassula pubescens ssp radicans, also known as the “red carpet” and “carpet jade”, is a South African indigenous succulent groundcover plant. It originates from the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.

Crassula pubescens ssp radicans has been in cultivation since the early 1800s and is still popular with collectors around the world because of its fantastic foliage color and attractive clusters of flowers.

Growth habit of Crassula pubescens ssp radicans

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.

In winter the leaf color also tends to redden which is an asset to brighten up succulent and cactus gardens in the cooler months of the year.

This succulent is low growing and can work well in flowerbeds or rock gardens.

How to grow Crassula pubescens ssp radicans

This variety of plant is easy-to-grow succulent ground cover in warm climate dry gardens.

Best planted in light shade in the hottest inland locations in summer. This plant can tolerate full sun elsewhere.

Crassula pubescens ssp radicans is a very drought tolerant groundcover and even rewards stressful times with its bright red transformations.

Low to no maintenance

As a bonus, it is not particular about soil types.

Flowers of Crassula pubescens ssp radicans

Crassula pubescens ssp radicans flowers can flower in late winter and early-late spring.

The flowers are made up of fancy globe-shaped clusters which are white to pink in colour.

The flowerheads are suspended slightly above the leaves on delicate stems.

The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other helpful pollinator insects.

Leaves of Crassula pubescens ssp radicans

Crassula pubescens ssp radicans has a low and dense growth habit.

This suits its flat succulent leaves that work together as magical solar panels.

The leaves are green in winter and turn red under the stress of full sun, drought, and in cold conditions.

Propagation of Crassula pubescens ssp radicans

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.

The word ‘radicans’ in the species name refers to “rooting” (as the stems of this plant root as they grow along the ground).

This plant is easily propagated and spread by taking stem or rooted cuttings and replanting them.

One can simply separate from the root and transplant to spread the groundcover further.

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