Crassula sieberiana
Australian stonecrop
Overview
Crassula sieberiana is a small succulent herb, often annual or short-lived, that grows just 1-4 inches (2-10 cm) tall and forms low tufts or mats. The fleshy leaves are 0.1-0.4 inch (3-10 mm) long, narrow, and held in opposite pairs that join around the stem; they are mid-green but flush red to bronze in strong sun or dry conditions. Tiny star-shaped flowers about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) across, white to cream and sometimes pink-tinged, open in small clusters in spring. Dry capsules follow and release tiny seed. C. sieberiana grows across much of Australia and New Zealand in shallow soils, rock crevices, and other exposed sites that dry out seasonally, completing much of its growth after rain. The plant is tiny and easily overlooked, and individual plants are often short-lived, persisting through self-sown seedlings rather than long-lived clumps. It needs sharp drainage and grows poorly in rich, moist soils.
Native Range
Crassula sieberiana is native to Australia and New Zealand, where it is widespread. It grows in shallow soils, rock crevices, and seasonally dry, exposed sites.Suggested Uses
C. sieberiana is grown in rockeries, trough and container gardens, and among pavers and gravel in low-water plantings, spaced 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) apart. Its tolerance of shallow, dry soils suits crevice and trough plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 4"
Width/Spread1" - 4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in spring, roughly September to November, and can follow rain at other times. The tiny white to cream star-shaped flowers open in small clusters and are easily overlooked. Dry capsules with small seed follow.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
green flushing red in sunGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
C. sieberiana grows in full sun to light shade in shallow, sharply drained sandy or rocky soils. It needs very little water once established and tolerates seasonal drying, drawing on its fleshy leaves. Rich, moist soils and poor drainage cause the stems to rot. It tolerates light frost in USDA zones 9-11. Much of its growth follows seasonal rain, and self-sown seedlings renew plantings. It also grows in shallow containers and trough gardens.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed for this small succulent. Spent flowering stems can be trimmed or left to set seed. Crowded mats can be thinned to manage spread.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons