Bonsai Crassula

A low growing shrub native to the eastern Cape Province to northern Transvaal in South Africa that gets to 2 feet tall with a fat gnarly trunk and stems with peeling bark bearing narrow green succulent leaves and attractive terminal flower clusters in summer. The flowers start as small pink flower buds that open to show off bell-shaped pale-pink flowers which, to some people, may smell of black currant jelly. Plant in full sun (except in hot inland desert climates) to light shade in well-drained soils and irrigate occasionally. This plant is considered one of the hardiest of Crassula, tolerating temperatures down to 10° F so it has long been cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world. As it grows well indoors it can also often be seen in a windowsill garden in even colder climates. With the attractive branching, peeling bark and bare lower stems it resembles a small tree, which makes it a great succulent bonsai plant.