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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: Madagascar |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Red |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Height: 2-4 feet |
| Width: 2-4 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Kalanchoe bracteata (Silver Teaspoons) - A small compact shrubby succulent to 4 feet tall from South Eastern Madagascar. It has 1 to 2 inch long ovate leaves with a slight point at the tip and short petioles. The species can be a bit variable but our plants appear grayish silvery-white because of a pubescence of appressed short stellate hairs and a waxy substance that covers the leaves and the young 4 angled stems. The flowers on this plant are red on branched terminal inflorescences. Plant in full sun to bright shade and irrigate little to occasionally. Has proven hardy to 28 F and may be hardy below this. This plant is great in pots or as an accent or even a small border hedge in the garden. Kalanchoe bracteata is closely related and very similar to Kalanchoe hildebrandtii which grows in the same local but has greenish-white flowers. The Huntington Botanic Gardens has introduced a selection of Kalanchoe bracteata called 'Silvermint' (ISI 2005-29) with copper-colored flowers. 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 "bracteata" is in reference to the conspicuous floral bracts of this species.
The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have observed it in. We also will incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that might aid others in growing Kalanchoe bracteata.
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