Crassula ovata 'Crosby dwarf'

Crassula ovata 'Crosby Dwarf'

Family: Crassulaceae
Common Names: Crosby dwarf, Crosby compact, Crosby red
Geographic Origin: ‘Crosby Dwarf’ is a popular cultivar of Crassula ovata that is only found in cultivation. However, the straight species is endemic to the rocky slopes, fields, hills, and ravines of South Africa, being very common within the Eastern Cape.
Description: The Crosby dwarf is a compact, multi-branching succulent that possesses shiny, yellow-green, pear-shaped leaves with red margins. Mature plants will develop a woody stem and thickened branches, while the leaves will become deciduous.
Both the foliage and form of the Crosby dwarf are smaller than the straight species, and the red margins are more defined. Although C. ovata will develop a tree-like form, C. ovata ‘Crosby Dwarf’ will not exceed 3 feet in height or width. At the same time, the straight species will form apical clusters of whitish-pink flowers from fall to spring, while the Crosby dwarf cultivar only flowers to late winter.
Interesting Features:

The red-kissed margins will have the best coloring in bright sunlight, although new growth may be entirely red.
The straight species has received the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society for outstanding value in cultivation.

Uses: Although Crassula ovata has been used extensively by the Khoekhoe people and other South African populations for consumption and medicinal uses, and by numerous cultures as a symbol of good luck, the Crosby dwarf cultivar has no special ethnobotanical uses.
However, the Crosby dwarf is valued in cultivation for its unique red coloring, and is also considered a symbol of good luck.

Cultivation and Care:
- Watering: Low

C. ovata ‘Crosby Dwarf’ should be watered sparingly, completely allowing the soil to dry in between waterings. During the winter, only irrigate when the leaves have begun to shrivel.
For the best results, water from the bottom by immersing the container, and do not mist.

- Soil Type: Provide a very well-draining and porous potting soil that contains perlite, sharp sand, or gravel. Avoid peat and other potting mixtures that retain moisture, and maintain a pH between 6.1 and 7.5 for the best growth.
- Lighting: In order to preserve the red coloring, ensure that C. ovata ‘Crosby Dwarf’ receives at least 5-6 hours of sunlight each day. If growing indoors, site in a sunny window, or provide grow lights for the best growth.

However, before growing in full sun, slowly acclimatize plants to the bright conditions, or sunburning will occur.
Additionally, protect from very hot days by providing partial shade or bringing indoors.

     - Propagation: This cultivar is easily propagated by stem or leaf cuttings, but grows more slowly than the straight species. Although leaves readily develop roots when removed from the mother plant, they are not as successfully propagated as stem cuttings.
     - Cold tolerance: 25°F, USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11.
     - Special Accommodations: C. ovata ‘Crosby Dwarf’ is slightly less frost tolerant than the straight species, and should not be exposed to temperatures below 30°F to prevent demise. However, the species is capable of tolerating down to 25°F for short durations if no moisture is provided.

During the winter, dormancy should be induced by reducing or ceasing watering, and transporting to a colder location.
Additionally, ensure that excellent airflow is provided around the leaves and soil surface in order to prevent root-rot and ward off pests.

Sources: