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The dense head of small but very bright
red flowers of Crassula falcata is an outstanding sight.
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Description:
make a lovely
clump/low growing
shrub, that usually grows up to 60 cm tall ( but some sources say
1.2 m of height) , produces interesting
glaucous grey-green leaves arranged in overlapping pairs along a
usually
unbranched
stem, leaves are propeller shaped (sickle shaped ) 10 cm long, 2-3
cm wide with recurved apices.
Spectacular clusters of bright orange-red flowers arranged in dense
cymes, flowers starts to develop in June and are in full bloom in
August,
Flower heads grow 8 to 12cm wide.
Cultivation:
Needs well
drained soil, keep moist all year, but reduce watering during winter
month ,
it
grows
well in
light shade to
full sun.
Propagation:
Leaf or stem
cuttings;
After growing for several years
tend to
become untidy, and should be cut very short or restarted from cuttings. |
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The flower smells like sweet cinnamon and usually lasts 6-8
weeks. Sometimes they bloom twice a year, and the bees really love the
flowers too.
Photo and comment by
Pat
(California, USA) |
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Family: Crassulaceae |
Scientific Name:
Crassula falcata
H.
Wendl.
Origin: South Africa from the Cape of Good Hope (Eastern Cape
Province)
Synonyms :
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Larochea falcata,
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Crassula falx,
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Crassula johannis-winkleri,
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Rochea falcata,
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Crassula perfoliata var. falcata,
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Crassula perfoliata var. miniata,
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Crassula obliqua
Common names:
Propeller Plant, Scarlet Paintbrush
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Easy to flower and easy to grow, it is a favourite of
many hobbyists. The flowers open slowly and last for nearly a month when
in full
bloom. Generally needs full sun part of the day to flower.
Produces pairs of attractive and interesting sickle shaped
grey-green leaves, but a show stopper when the bright red flowers
emerge.
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