Crassula perforata ‘Ivory Towers’ | Giant String of Buttons | South African Collector Succulent

Crassula perforata ‘Ivory Towers’ is a distinctive large-growing selection of the familiar String of Buttons, valued for its thick, tightly stacked leaves and strongly architectural growth. Opposite pairs of triangular succulent leaves clasp the stems, producing upright four-sided columns that become increasingly impressive as the plant matures. ‘Ivory Towers’ is noticeably more substantial than many commonly cultivated forms of Crassula perforata, with thicker foliage and stems capable of reaching approximately 18 inches (45 cm) or more before branching or beginning to cascade.

The leaves are pistachio-green to gray-green and covered with a conspicuous waxy farina that can give the plant a powdery blue or silvery appearance. Under strong light and cooler conditions, the leaf margins can develop attractive pink to deep reddish edging, emphasizing the geometric arrangement of each stacked pair. Mature plants branch readily and can eventually form dense, sculptural clusters.

Origin:
‘Ivory Towers’ is a horticultural selection associated with the Crassula perforata complex. 

The underlying species, Crassula perforata, is accepted by Kew and is native from the southern Cape Provinces eastward through the Eastern Cape into KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Kew recognizes two subspecies, ssp. perforata and ssp. kougaensis.

Typical ssp. perforata occurs in remarkably varied dry habitats, including rock crevices, rock faces, boulder-filled ravines, sheltered rocky slopes, and beneath dry scrub or other woody vegetation. Its native habitats include Albany Thicket, Fynbos, Nama and Succulent Karoo, Savanna, and other dry South African communities.

Flowering Information:
Mature plants produce elongated flower stalks carrying numerous small white to creamy-white flowers. The individual flowers are small and star-like, forming a delicate floral display above the strongly geometric foliage.

The flowers are hermaphroditic, as is characteristic of Crassula, containing functional stamens and pistils.

Soil Type:
Grow in a rapidly draining succulent substrate with a substantial mineral component. A mixture containing pumice, perlite, lava rock, coarse grit, or coarse sand combined with a modest amount of organic potting medium works well.

Water thoroughly during active growth, then allow the substrate to dry substantially before watering again. Crassula perforata naturally occupies rocky sites and crevices where drainage is rapid, and prolonged saturation around the roots should be avoided.

Hardiness:
Best treated as approximately USDA Zone 10 and warmer for dependable outdoor cultivation. Protect from hard frost and prolonged freezing conditions. Commercial cultivation records for ‘Ivory Towers’ place it around Zone 10, while the broader species is generally grown as a frost-tender succulent.

Plants should be kept considerably drier during periods of cool weather, particularly when nighttime temperatures approach freezing.

Light Requirements:
Provide bright light with several hours of direct or filtered sun. Strong light encourages compact internodes, sturdy upright stems, heavy farina, and the attractive pink to reddish margins characteristic of well-grown ‘Ivory Towers’.

In very hot inland climates, some afternoon protection can help prevent leaf scorch. Plants moved from greenhouse or indoor conditions should be gradually acclimated before being exposed to intense direct sunlight.

Propagation:
‘Ivory Towers’ is very easily propagated from stem cuttings, which is also the preferred method for maintaining the cultivar true to type.

Cut a healthy section of stem, allow the cut surface to dry and callus, then place it into a porous succulent substrate. Stems of Crassula perforata root readily, and established plants naturally branch to produce additional material for propagation. Leaf propagation may also be possible, but stem cuttings are generally faster and more dependable.

Plants grown from seed should not automatically be labeled ‘Ivory Towers’, since named cultivars are maintained vegetatively to preserve their characteristic phenotype.

Collector's Note:

Kew currently accepts Crassula perforata as a species and treats Crassula conjuncta N.E.Br. as a synonym of the accepted Crassula perforata ssp. perforata. Therefore, using conjuncta does not represent a separate currently accepted species under Kew's taxonomy.

The cultivar is distinguished horticulturally by its larger overall stature, thick stacked leaves, substantial farina, and strongly colored leaf margins under favorable light conditions.

This is for one plant similar to the one shown growing in a 4" inch container shipped bare root. All of our plants are guaranteed pest-free and healthy upon delivery, and we ship within the United States. Shipping is done Monday thru Friday.
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