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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: Madagascar |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: <1 foot |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Kalanchoe pumila (Flower Dust Plant) - This low succulent shrub to 8 to 12 inches tall is from the rocky soils in the mountains of Madagascar. The entire plant is densely covered with 1 1/2 inch long rounded leaves that are toothed and covered with soft whitish waxy hairs which give the plant a frosted look. In late winter to early spring appear the clusters of erectly held 1/4 inch long pink-violet flowers with conspicuous yellow anthers. Plant in sun or light shade with well-drained soil. It requires little water and is hardy down to about 25 degrees F. A great plant in a rock or succulent garden or in pots or hanging baskets. The name Kalanchoe is somewhat of a mystery - there is some thought that it comes from a phonetic transcription of the Chinese words “Kalan Chauhuy” meaning that which falls and grows, likely in reference to the plantlets that drop from many of the species but others believe it from the ancient Indian words “kalanka” meaning spot or rust and “chaya” meaning glossy in reference to the reddish glossy leaves of the Indian species K. laciniata. The specific epithet "pumila", Latin for small, is in reference to the small stature of this plant.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.
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