Kalanchoe pumila

Kalanchoe pumila, commonly known as Blue Kalanchoe, is an ideal ornamental and low maintenance groundcover for USDA zones 9-11. It is a small, trailing succulent that typically grows between 2 to 4 feet tall and contains a bold contrast of stunning foliage with its stunning blue leaves, and pink wavy margins. It grows best in full sun or semi-shade environments, and requires moderate water and good drainage; in times of drought, water should be reduced and reduced again to prevent water-logging of the root systems and accompanying rot.

The Blue Kalanchoe is also highly valued for its small clusters of either red or deep crimson vinous flowers, attracting wildlife to the garden and bringing a beautiful contrast to the general summer garden planting. Its salt tolerant, making it ideal for seaside gardens, and generally drought tolerant attitude, makes it highly carefree and ideal for low-maintenance planting.

If you plan to grow your Blue Kalanchoe in a pot, then it is important to match the size of the pot to the size of the mature plant, reducing the drainage holes and with a decent quality potting mix. In cold regions, it is recommended to bring the potted plant inside over winter unless you have a nice warm and protected micro climate. Container plantings need less water, so over-watering can lead to root rot, while too little water may cause the succulent to collapse.

Overall, Kalanchoe pumila is a great option for low-maintenance groundcover that comes with great ornamental foliage and beautiful flowers. It is drought tolerant, salt tolerant and can thrive in full sun or semi-shade, with moderate water, making it ideal for most gardens, particularly for USDA zone 9-11. This is one of the most low-maintenance and rewarding plants you can have in the garden.

Similar plants:

• Bryophyllum beauverdii, Kalanchoe beauverdii (Kalanchoe)
• Bryophyllum daigremontianum, Kalanchoe crenato-daigremontiana, Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands, Mother of Millions, Devils Backbone, Mexican Hat Plant)
• Bryophyllum delagoense, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Bryophyllum tubiflorum, Bryophyllum verticillatum (Chandelier plant)
• Bryophyllum fedtchenkoi, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi (Kalanchoe)
• Bryophyllum gastonis-bonnieri, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, Kalanchoe adolph-engleri, Bryophyllum adolph-engleri (Giant kalanchoe, Donkey Ears; Life Plant; Miracle Leaf; Sprouting Leaf; Sprout Leaf Plant; Leaf of Life; Good Luck Leaf, Tree Of Life)
• Bryophyllum pinnatum, Kalanchoe pinnata, Bryophyllum calycinum (Bahamas Breath Plant, Hawaiian Air Plant)
• Bryophyllum proliferum, Kalanchoe prolifera (Blooming Boxes)
• Kalanchoe beharensis (Velvet Leaf)
• Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy, Christmas Kalanchoe, Florist Kalanchoe)
• Kalanchoe blossfeldiana hybrids (Kalanchoe, Christmas Kalanchoe)