Kalanchoe sexangularis – Bushveld Kalanchoe

Carlton Zakhele

Oct 2

2 min read

Kalanchoe sexangularis, commonly known as Bushveld Kalanchoe or Red-leaved Kalanchoe, is a hardy, water-wise succulent that brings striking colour and texture to the garden. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family and is well suited to rockeries, succulent gardens, patios and mixed planting beds.

Kalanchoe sexangularis Bushveld Kalanchoe with red foliage in a Johannesburg garden

One of its most attractive features is its foliage. In full sun, the broad, deeply serrated leaves can develop a rich ruby-red colour, while plants grown in semi-shade or dappled shade tend to have greener leaves with attractive red margins. The foliage can also become more intensely red during cooler winter temperatures.

Unlike many sun-loving succulents, Kalanchoe sexangularis can perform well beneath trees or in areas receiving filtered light. It is naturally found growing on rocky slopes and ridges in bushveld areas, often in the shade or partial shade of trees and shrubs.

The plant is an upright, fast-growing succulent shrublet with fleshy leaves and stems that become brown and flaky as they mature. It can grow to around 1.5 metres, although its stems may become lax and spread as the plant develops.

During the cooler months and into spring, it produces small yellow tubular flowers on tall, branched flowering stems. These flowers provide an attractive contrast against the red foliage.

A colourful, water-wise garden plant:

For Johannesburg gardens, Kalanchoe sexangularis can be an excellent choice where a hardy, drought-resistant plant with strong foliage colour is required. Use it in rockeries, succulent beds, under suitable trees, along garden borders or in containers on patios.