Kalanchoe blossfeldianaFlaming Katy

The Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, sold as Flaming Katy, is a compact Madagascan succulent with thick scalloped leaves and dense heads of small four-petalled flowers in scarlet, pink, orange, yellow and white. The flowers last for weeks, which is unusual in a plant this size.

It is used as a low massed bedding succulent in warm climates and as a seasonal interior plant everywhere else, and it asks for almost nothing beyond sharp drainage.

Specifications

• Height0.2 to 0.45 metres
• Width0.2 to 0.4 metres
• Native toMadagascar
• FoliageThick, glossy, scalloped dark green leaves; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilRequires sharply drained, gritty soil or an open succulent medium
• LightFull sun to bright indirect light; partial shade in extreme heat
• WaterLow; allow the soil to dry between waterings
• ClimateThrives in warm, dry and subtropical regions; sensitive to frost and to prolonged wet

Additional Features

• FlowersDense heads of small four-petalled flowers in scarlet, pink, orange, yellow or white, long lasting
• UsesMassed bedding, raised planters, rockeries, interior display and container work
• SpacingPlant 0.2 to 0.25 metres apart for a solid colour block
• Low MaintenanceDeadhead after flowering and trim back to keep plants compact
• Pest ResistanceGenerally trouble free; mealybug is the only common problem
• Drought ToleranceFleshy leaves hold reserves and tolerate missed irrigation
• VersatilityUsed equally as an outdoor bedding succulent and as an interior flowering plant

Flaming Katy delivers a long block of flower colour at ground level on almost no water.