Ripple Jade
Crassula arborescens ssp. undulatifolia
Also known as
Sapkamma Plakkie, Sapkamma Crassula
Photo by Genete (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
9a
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
3m | Max | 2m |
1m | Min | 1m |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Ripple Jade
Ripple Jade Overview
Crassula arborescens subsp. undulatifolia, unlike other small Crassula species is an outstanding, squat, succulent shrub that is easily recognizable by its unmistakable wavy, blue-grey foliage, sometimes tinged with red on the edges. Star-shaped, white-pink blooms are produced in clusters. It has a very attractive appearance in both its natural habitat and cultivated gardens. It's also commonly called Ripple Jade, after the leaf appearance. The seeds are very fine and must be harvested as soon as the inflorescence turns brown as the fruit ripens. Many rooted plants will form from the mother plant in the garden when they fall to the ground, provided conditions are suitable.
Common problems with Ripple Jade
Generally problem free.
Ripple Jade Companion Plants
When considering a rock or semi-desert garden, it is well worth the effort of combining Crassula arborescens with some of its related members. Good choices include Tylecodon paniculatus, Cotyledon orbiculata, C. tomentosa, C. velutina, Crassula perfoliata, C. coccinea, C. rupestris and C. ovata. Other complimentary species include Lampranthus multiradiatus, L. hoerleinianus, Kalanchoe crundallii, K. thyrsiflora, Cyphostemma juttae, Aloe arborescens, A. ferox, A. microstigma, A. perfoliata, A. striata and A. glauca.
How to harvest Ripple Jade
Generally not harvested.
How to propagate Ripple Jade
Cuttings
Cuttings can be made throughout the year and root readily in a well-drained medium, like coarse river sand and later transplanted into ordinary garden soil.
Seed
Seeds should be sown in a damp, sandy medium and be kept shaded and moist until they are large enough to be planted out.
Special features of Ripple Jade
Pot plant
Can be grown as a feature in a pot. Provide good draining potting medium and a sunny position.
Attracts bees
Bees feed on the pollen from the flowers.
Drought resistant
Once established the plant will require small amounts of water to grow and can go long periods without water.
Other uses of Ripple Jade
Sapkamma crassula are very popular in rock gardens, on rocky embankments, slopes and as container plants. Cultivation is easy and they are often seen in South African gardens. Besides their attractive flower clusters, they look delightful with their contrasting blue-green foliage, especially when used in combination with other dark green shrubbery.
Edible
The roots of Crassula arborescens subsp. arborescens are eaten in Swaziland where it is known as umchobozovithi.