CRASSULA ovata ”Hobbit”

Definitely unusual form of Crassula ovata, which in its bizarre appearance can recall a coral formation, of a succulent, perennial and evergreen nature, with a shrub-like appearance, slow growing and native to South African: over the time, it can grow one meter tall and slightly less large. Branched at the bottom, it has erect, swollen stems covered with a beautiful silvery-grey bark. The leaves, fleshy, elongated and tubular in shape, of a pleasant bright green partly veined with red-orange, shiny are concentrated on the young and apical parts of the plant. Flowering, quite rare for this cultivar in our latitudes, occurs between late autumn and winter and consists of widespread inflorescences composed of small, long-lasting pinkish-white starry flowers.

Ensure to place it a sunny position and a poor, sandy and above all perfectly drained soil. It bears both saltiness typical of coastal winds and prolonged drought. Instead it fears frost, especially intense and protracted; therefore in regions characterized by cold winters it is advisable to cultivate it in a protected place or, even better, the possibility of sheltering in a cool and bright environment. In late spring, it is possible to intervene to remove dry, damaged or bulky parts or, observing the plant carefully, branches that delay its harmonious development. Highly requested for a balconies or terraces, or even for indoor environments, as long as it is very bright, where it can be placed in containers of modest size, in the open ground and perfect partner of cacti and succulents in general with which it creates enchanting scenarios of simple management and dazzling all the year.