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Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant)

Panda Plant, Pussy Ears, Chocolate Soldier

AGM Award
Kalanchoe tomentosa, Panda Plant, Pussy Ears, Chocolate Soldier, succulent plant, Drought tolerant plant
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Flaming Katy, Christmas Kalanchoe, Florist Kalanchoe, succulent plant, Drought tolerant plant, red flowers, yellow flowers, pink flowers, orange flowers

Easy to grow and quite resilient, award-winning Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant) is an erect evergreen succulent with soft fuzzy, fleshy leaves, 3 in. long (9 cm), reminiscent of the ears of plush rabbits with brown stitching along the edges and tips. This plant does not bloom as often as other succulents and is grown primarily for its unusual foliage. In summer, clusters of yellow-green flowers with dark brown petal tips may appear atop 18 in. stalks (45 cm). Very popular as a container specimen or houseplant, this Kalanchoe is also a great choice for the garden as an accent plant or small groundcover.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Easily grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. This plant requires protection from full sun in inland desert areas. Water occasionally to very little.
  • Excellent for beds and borders, succulent gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or as a groundcover. Perfect for containers where spectacular floral arrangements can be created.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats.
  • Native to Madagascar

Requirements

Hardiness 11 - 12
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents, Houseplants
Plant Family Crassulaceae
Genus Kalanchoe
Common names Chocolate Soldier, Kalanchoe, Panda Plant
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi (Lavender Scallops)
Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands)
Kalanchoe marmorata (Penwiper)
Kalanchoe pumila (Flower Dust Plant)
Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Fang’ (Felt Plant)
Kalanchoe marnieriana (Marnier’s Kalanchoe)

Recommended Companion Plants

Echeveria ‘Lady Aquarius’
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Florist Kalanchoe)
Sedum nussbaumerianum (Stonecrop)
Euphorbia milii (Crown of Thorns)
Agave
Aloe

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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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 11 - 12
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents, Houseplants
Plant Family Crassulaceae
Genus Kalanchoe
Common names Chocolate Soldier, Kalanchoe, Panda Plant
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Kalanchoe
Guides with
Kalanchoe
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