James Burghardt
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
KALANCHOE fedtschenkoi 'Marginata'
Plant Common Name
Kalanchoe, Variegated Kalanchoe
General Description
Fondly known as lavender scallops, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is a low, shrubby, spreading succulent from Madagascar. The cultivar 'Variegata' brings a different look to this popular ground-covering species, adding creamy pink markings to the small, oval, blue-gray, white-dusted leaves. The leaves may occasionally produce plantlets, which can drop to the ground and root. Spectacular clusters of dangling urn-shaped orange or red flowers with dusky pink calyces appear on erect stalks in winter and early spring. The blossoms attract hummingbirds. Flowering stems die after blooming.
Like most succulents, this one requires porous well-drained soil and ample light. It tolerates a couple degrees of frost. Water only when soil is dry. This plant thrives in full sun in moderate climates but needs midday shade in hot areas. Rejuvenate leggy old plants by pruning heavily, or grow new plants from cuttings stuck in sand. This succulent makes an exceptional subject for arid gardens and sunny greenhouses or windowsills. Kalanchoe fetschenkoi has escaped gardens in areas such as Maui and Kauai, where it is considered invasive.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12"-20" / 30.5cm - 50.8cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Madagascar
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil type
Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Spreading
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Red, Purple, Orange, Magenta
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green, Pink, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green, Pink, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green, Pink, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green, Pink, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
