A world traveller in your own back garden
The plant’s name, Kalanchoë, is a Latinised version of the Chinese word kalan chau. China, as well as Madagascar and southern and south eastern Africa, are where the Kalanchoë was discovered growing in the wild. From there, this plant was taken to Paris where it created quite a stir: so small, so nice, so colourful. It also attracted the attention of Robert Blossfeld, a German seed trader who saw it as a great commercial opportunity even back then. In 1932, he introduced Kalanchoë ‘Blossfeldiana’ as a houseplant, but it would be another fifty years before the plant would make its international breakthrough. When it came, it was predominantly due to the efforts of American, German, Danish and Dutch plant breeders. Today, Dutch growers and wholesalers provide your garden centre, market and florist with an extensive supply of these plants in many varieties for use indoors and outdoors.
Single-flowering
The single-flowering Kalanchoë, with a single ring of petals, is the original form. A grouping of Kalanchoës in various colours makes a beautiful display, but a large planter filled with many in the same colour is simply enchanting. For a modern impression, use glass pots, coloured planters or pots with the look of concrete. If your taste is more traditional, take a look at our inspiring examples.
Multi-flowering & Big flowering
Kalanchoës with rose-shaped flower heads are called double-flowering. These varieties have more than one ring of petals. And there are so many ways to use them! Just combine and vary simple materials, vases, pots and planters according to your own personal taste. For examples, click on the pictures below.
Garden: Almost all Kalanchoës will thrive both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, it can produce even more flowers than indoors. A Kalanchoë intended for use outside – on the balcony or terrace or in a container on the patio is supplied as a 'Patio Kalanchoë' even though it is not a separate variety. Availability: April through September.
Specialty’s
Bell shaped: This newly developed designer variety bears clusters of pale green lantern-like flowers dangling at the ends of their flower stems. There are also Bell varieties with orange-red and pink flowers that will do well outside as well. The Bell varieties provide a tranquil effect and are intriguing, too – definitely a plant for endless enjoyment!
Leaves: the Kalanchoë featuring great ornamental value due to its beautifully patterned leaves. Does not flower. Example: Kalanchoë thyrsiflora or Kalanchoë beharensis.
