Red Flames
(Crassula capitella)
Red Flames (Crassula capitella)
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S Molteno
CC BY-SA 4.0
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S Molteno
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CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by: S Molteno | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: S Molteno | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Crassula_capitella_-_CT_5.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Crassula capitella, commonly known as Red Flames, is an evergreen succulent native to the rocky outcrops and grasslands of Southern Africa. This small perennial herb typically grows 15-40 cm in height, with stems that can be erect or spread out to form a dense mat. It is a biennial plant, meaning it has a two-year life cycle, and it produces blooms in the summer. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, clustering densely around each succulent stem. The foliage is particularly striking, with leaves that can turn from green to bright red, especially when grown in full sun, adding to its ornamental appeal.
Red Flames is valued for its ease of maintenance and its vibrant foliage, which provides a striking contrast in rock gardens, succulent arrangements, and as ground cover. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it has average watering needs, it is drought-tolerant once established. It is sensitive to frost and should not be exposed to temperatures below 30 °F (−1 °C). Gardeners should be cautious when planting Crassula capitella outside its native range, as it can become invasive in some regions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Red Flames is valued for its ease of maintenance and its vibrant foliage, which provides a striking contrast in rock gardens, succulent arrangements, and as ground cover. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it has average watering needs, it is drought-tolerant once established. It is sensitive to frost and should not be exposed to temperatures below 30 °F (−1 °C). Gardeners should be cautious when planting Crassula capitella outside its native range, as it can become invasive in some regions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to the rocky outcrops and grasslands of Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Red Pagoda, Campfire Plant
Scientific Names: , Crassula capitella, Crassula thyrsiflora, Crassula corymbosula, Crassula avismontana, Crassula capitellata, Crassula corymbosula var. cordata, Crassula corymbosula var. lanceolata, Crassula corymbosula var. major, Crassula luederitzii
GBIF Accepted Name: Crassula capitella Thunb.