Crassula perforata (String of Buttons)

Crassula perforata (String of Buttons) is a fairly fast-growing, shrubby, and sprawling succulent with stems and leaves that seem stacked atop each other. Erect first, the fleshy stems become pendant over time, making this plant useful for containers, or hanging baskets.

Crassula perforata (String of Buttons) is a fairly fast-growing, shrubby, and sprawling succulent with stems and leaves that seem stacked atop each other. Erect first, the fleshy stems become pendant over time, making this plant useful for containers, or hanging baskets. The short, triangular, gray-green leaves form opposite pairs that grow in a spiral around the stem. They are often adorned with rosy pink edges and are quite showy. Clusters of small, starry, pale yellow flowers appear in spring but most gardeners trim them off as the dead, dried stems become unattractive once flowering is over. This plant is a suckering plant that will form small colonies. 

  • Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Thrives in well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. Best leaf coloration is obtained in the sun although some shade protection from the midday heat in hot climate areas would be welcomed. Irrigate only occasionally to regularly. This succulent is drought tolerant.
  • Perfect for rock gardens, containers, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover.
  • Deer resistant
  • Propagate by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings.
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for mealybugs, vine weevil, and aphids.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to South Africa

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 12

Heat Zones 1
– 12

Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus – Succulents
Plant Family Crassula
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 36″ (90cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden