Kalanchoe thyrsiflora

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Botanical Name

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora

Family

Crassulaceae - The crassula family.

Pronunciation

kal-un-KOH-ee thur-SEE-flor-uh

Common Name(s)

White Lady, geel plakkie, meel plakkie

Plant Group

Succulent A plant having fleshy stems or leaves often adapted to dry conditions.

Plant Size

Medium

Tree 10m to 16m

Shrub 1m to 2m

Perennial/ground cover 40cm to 60cm

Bulb 40cm to 60cm

Succulent 40cm to 60cm

Position

Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.

General Information

Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Frost: Hardy The plant can withstand freezing temperatures or frost without artificial protection.
Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.

Specific Information

The red colour of these large-leaved plants is striking and they make a bold statement wherever they are planted. After flowering the mother plant deteriorates quickly but sends up a bonus of off-shoots.

Flowers

Description

tall stem with densely clustered tubular flowers

Season

Winter Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

cream

Growth Rate

Moderate to Fast Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.

Plant Uses

Accent or Focal Point A plant used to attract the attention because of its colour or form.
Attracts bees and other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
Border A strip of ground, at the edge of a driveway or path in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
Edging A low growing plant that provides softness or definition to the edges of a bed or walkway.
Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
Foliage Plant Plants grown because their foliage is colorful or unique. Many of these plants have insignificant flowers.
Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
Interplanting Arranging and planting plants in the garden that have different blooming times and habits of growth, extending the amount of time in which the area is in flower.
Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.
Wild Garden An indigenous garden planted for the benefit of wildlife and birds. Provides food, water, a variety of mini-biomes and no poisonous chemicals are used.