Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant)

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