Most commonly referred to as Flapjack, the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is a succulent tropical or annual plant for Tennessee. Easily recognized by its distinct paddle-shaped leaves, Flapjack makes for a vivid potted plant or summer succulent annual in a landscape. Its common name comes from the fact that the leaves are stacked on each other like flapjacks to form a rosette, and face upward to reduce their exposure to the hot sun.

The leaves of Flapjack grow up to six inches in diameter, while the plant itself reaches heights of up to two feet. Flowers are produced on tall, leafy stalks after the plant matures (usually in three to four years) and are small and held close to the stalk in dense clusters. When given enough sunlight, the large and dramatic sage-green leaves develop a bright red or pink band that highlights the edges of the smooth, fleshy paddles.

Flapjack is tolerant of moist but well-drained soils; and, like its succulent relatives, is very drought resistant once established. It grows best in full sun to partial shade. The brighter the light conditions, the more pronounced the red leaf margins will be, making for a striking show in the garden. In shade, leaves will be greener. Flapjack provides a bold and unique look to any landscape whether used in mass in garden beds, as an accent in rock gardens, or in containers.

While a mature plant can reach up to two feet tall, Flapjack will typically grow no more than 12 inches during one outdoor growing season in Tennessee, however, this plant can also be easily over-wintered indoors. Blooming typically signals the end of the Flapjacks life cycle.

For more information on Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, consult the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences website at http://utgardens.tennessee.edu.

Information provided by Dr. Susan Hamilton, faculty member in the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences and director of the UT Gardens.