Crassula rupestris (Kebab Bush)

Scientific Name

Crassula rupestris Thunb.

Common Names

Kebab Bush, Concertina Bush, Bead Vine, Rosary Vine, Buttons on a String, Necklace Vine

Synonyms

Crassula rupestris subsp. rupestris, Crassula monticola, Purgosea rupestris

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula rupestris is a much-branched, perennial, succulent subshrub up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. The stems are thin, fleshy near the growing tip, but rather woody lower down. The leaves are small, thick, opposite, ovate and lanceolate in shape, grayish in color and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. During the summer months the leaf margins turn a brilliant red or yellow. The flowers are grouped in clusters, deep pink to pale pink, star-shaped and up to 0.25 inch (6 mm) across.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Crassulas are easy to grow, but they are susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your plant sit in water. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, make sure to pour off any excess water after a few minutes.

These succulents are generally started by division, offsets or leaf cuttings. Crassulas can be easily propagated from a single leaf. Sprout leaves by placing them into a potting mix for succulents, then covering the dish until they sprout.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.

Origin

Crassula rupestris is native to Namibia and South Africa (Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape).

Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids

• Crassula rupestris subsp. commutata
• Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana
• Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana 'Contorta'
• Crassula rupestris var. monticola
• Crassula rupestris 'High Voltage'
• Crassula 'Bride's Bouquet'
• Crassula 'Green Pagoda'
• Crassula 'Silver Springtime'
• Crassula 'Springtime'
• Crassula 'Tom Thumb'

Links

• Back to genus Crassula
• Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

Photo Gallery