Architectural interest and gorgeous coloring, the paddle plant has it all. If I could only have one succulent, it would be this one.

This plant is known by several other common names, including dog tongue plant, and desert cabbage. The paddle plant is actually a kind of kalanchoe (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora). Depending on the source, this might also be spelled thrysiflora.

In warm areas of the U.S., this species is hardy enough for growing outdoors in the landscape. It is suitable for USDA zones nine through 11. In addition, this makes a lovely house plant. Paddle plant tolerates temperatures down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

A member of the Crassulaceae family, this is native to South Africa where it is found in Cape Province.

In the garden outdoors, paddle plant normally grows from about 1 ½ to perhaps three feet in height under good growing conditions. This has a two foot spread. This plant features clumps made up of rosettes. The entire plant has a whitish or silvery appearance due to the powdery bloom that is present. This is why the plant is also known as White Lady in reference to this mealy covering.

Paddle plant is grown mostly for its exquisite foliage. The thick, somewhat flat, fleshy leaves are roundish. In color they range from greenish-silver to pale green. Quite large in size, the foliage is beautifully highlighted with intense bands of pink or red along the leaf margins. This vivid color is only present when the plant is receiving enough sun.

Lacking leaf stalks, the foliage can be up to seven or eight inches in length. Towards the top of the flower stalks, the leaves become progressively smaller. The thickened foliage points upward. The thickened stem is pretty much obscured by the numerous leaves.

Sometime between winter and very early spring, paddle plant will send up a flowering stalk. This can be three feet in height. This features clusters of small, funnel-shaped that range from yellow to yellowish-green. With a sweet scent, these have four petals that curve outwards. Normally the plants bloom for a very long period. Paddle plant behaves pretty much as a perennial, and will not reach their mature size until they are about four years of age. Though this plant does bloom, it is grown mostly for its foliage.

Typically, it can take up to a year or so for the plant to set seeds after it blooms at which point it gradually dies. The individual flowers produce lots of seeds. These blow around in the wind to new locations.

Paddle plant is well suited to full sun and partial shade. So far as soil is concerned, they do best in a garden soil that is neutral to alkaline.

This will need about four feet or so between plants.

When it is grown outdoors in gardens, it is often used on banks as ground covers. This is also used in flower beds, rock gardens, and mixed borders. This is also suitable for containers.

Though seed is a common form of propagation, paddle plant can also be grown from leaf cuttings and stem cuttings.

Be sure and use sterile potting mix and sterile pots when you are starting seed. These are definitely prone to damping off.

Numerous cultivars of the plant are available, including Hot Lips and Flap Jack.

So far as care is concerned, this plant can tolerate cooler temperatures during the winter months.

During the growing season, they can be fertilized with a soluble, balanced fertilizer twice a month during the spring and summer. Paddle plant prefers to be kept dry during the winter months. The rest of the time, let the potting soil or garden soil dry out between waterings.

Pinch the plant to keep it bushy.

Regarding pest and insect problems, slugs and snails are by far the most serious problem when the plants are grown outdoors.