Crassula ovata is a large, well branched, compact, rounded evergreen succulent shrub that can reach a height of 1-3m tall. It has dark green, glossy oval shaped succulent leaves that often have a red margin. The plant carries rounded flower heads carrying clusters of tiny, star-shaped, pale-pink flowers between Winter and Spring, the flowers are sweetly scented. The stem is brown, thick and gnarled and generally looks old or aged, the branches are short and thick. Branches are succulent, grey-green and older plants are often found that the bark peels of in horizontal brown strips.
Crassula ovata is water wise and despite its grown in areas that are generally frost free it can tolerate moderate frost. It makes for a beautiful specimen in a rockery or in containers. It does well in indoors but can also be used outside on retaining walls, it should always be grown in well-drained soil. It attracts bees, wasps, flies, beetles and butterflies. Tortoises love the leaves and the stems allow for handy bases for wasps to build their nests.
You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.