Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant)
Paddle Plant, Flapjacks, Red Pancakes, Desert Cabbage
Among the most dramatic succulent plants, award-winning Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant) is an impressive evergreen succulent with a basal rosette of thick, fleshy, rounded leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm) and 6-8 in. wide (15-20 cm). Resembling clamshells, the jade green leaves are adorned with vibrant red-wine tips during the cooler winter months if grown in bright light. Attractive when not blooming, this Kalanchoe is particularly striking in late winter to early spring when a 2-3 ft. stem (60-90 cm), arises from its center, bearing clusters of pale yellow tubular flowers.
This plant is often confused with Kalanchoe thyrsiflora which sports shorter broad leaves, doesn't turn as red in winter, and whose flowers are darker yellow and sweetly fragrant.
- Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). This plant spreads by offsets.
- Easily grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Drought, heat, and salt tolerant.
- Protect from slugs and snails which permanently disfigure the leaves.
- The main rosette may die after flowering. If you want new plants, harvest each cluster with a few inches of stem and start them as cuttings.
- Excellent for coastal gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens. Perfect for containers where spectacular floral arrangements can be created.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats.
- Native to South Africa
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 13, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Cactus - Succulents |
Plant Family | Kalanchoe |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
whitechild / 123RF Stock Photo, Debora Carl Landscape Design,(c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 13, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Cactus - Succulents |
Plant Family | Kalanchoe |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |