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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Red/Purple Foliage: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Synonyms: [K. thyrsiflora, Hort., K tetraphylla, Hort.] |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant) - This succulent has been likened to clam shells, because of the shape of the basal rosette of the thick 4-6 inch long by 2-5 inch wide rounded leaves. The leaves are covered with a gray bloom and the leaf margin takes on a reddish hue during cooler winter months if grown in bright light otherwise the leaves remain uniformly green. In late winter into early spring arises a single long stem, to 2-3 feet, bearing clusters of pale yellow tubular flowers. Plant in full sun to light shade. Hardy to around 27° F - plants survived and resprouted after several nights around 25° F in January 2007. Protect from snails which permanently disfigure the leaves. This plant has been sold for many years in California under the name Kalanchoe thyrsiflora but is really Kalanchoe luciae. The true Kalanchoe thyrsiflora has similar color foliage on shorter broad leaves and doesn't turn nearly as red in winter. The flowers on Kalanchoe thyrsiflora are a darker yellow and are sweetly fragrant. Other common names manufactured for K. luciae are Red Pancakes and Desert Cabbage. 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 "luciae" is thought to either honor Mademoiselle Lucy Dufour, an acquaintance of the French botanist and physician Raymond Hamet, who authored this species or it was named because the plant is endemic to an area in South Africa called Saint Lucia Park.
The information about Kalanchoe luciae displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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