Campfire Succulent

Campfire Succulent (Crassula capitella 'Campfire') is a low, spreading succulent that turns the colour of glowing embers in full sun. Spirals of fleshy leaves cover stems that rise only about 20cm but spread to 1m wide, so it works as a groundcover, a pot plant or a rockery filler. It brings hot orange-red colour to a waterwise garden without waiting on a flowering season.

Why you'll love it

• Colour in the foliage. The spiralled leaves flush bright orange-red in sun, so the display does not depend on a flowering season.
• A carpet that stays low. It rarely passes 20cm in height yet spreads to about 1m, which is good coverage from a single plant.
• Waterwise by nature. Hardy and drought tolerant once established, it suits xeriscaping and dry beds where thirstier groundcovers fail.
• Garden or pot. It works in a rockery, a landscaping bed, a bowl on a sunny sill or a pot outdoors.
• Easy care. A drink while it settles in, a sunny position and free-draining soil are most of what it asks.

Where it works best

Groundcover and xeriscaping. Plant 50cm apart in full sun and free-draining soil. At that spacing the stems join into an orange-red mat as the plants fill out, and weeding drops away once it closes.

Rockeries and gravel gardens. The low spiralled stems tumble over stones and fill the gaps between larger plants.

Pots and bowls. A shallow pot of gritty mix suits it outside, or indoors in the brightest window you have, where it keeps its colour.

Growing Campfire Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the best colour and a compact shape. In low light it turns green and grows taller and looser. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens. In humid climates grow it in a raised bed or pot for sharper drainage. Frost can burn succulent leaves, so in frosty gardens keep it in a pot and move it under cover for winter.

Soil. Free-draining soil. Sand, gravel and rocky ground suit it. On heavy clay, build a raised mound or use a succulent and cactus mix in a pot.

Water and feed. Water regularly until it is established, usually around 12 weeks, then only when the soil has dried out. Plants in the ground need no feeding.

Pruning. None required. Trim back any stems that wander past the edge of the bed to keep the shape tidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Campfire Succulent as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Our grower supplies the tube stock and supply is not constant, so the tube shows as sold out when there is none. The notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Plants may arrive green, but they soon redden up once they sit in strong sunlight.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our succulents
• Low maintenance groundcovers
• Jade plants and crassulas
• Planning a waterwise garden

Common questions

Why did mine arrive green?

Campfire colours up in strong sunlight. Plants grown in protected conditions often arrive green and soon redden once they are in full sun.

Will it stay red indoors?

Only in a very bright position. In low light it turns green and grows taller and more open, so give it the sunniest sill you have or grow it outside.

How far will it spread?

About 1m wide at roughly 20cm high. Plant 50cm apart for a carpet, or give each plant its own space if you prefer to see the shape of each mound.