Kalanchoe Quicksilver

Common Name:
Quicksilver Kalanchoe

Description:
Kalanchoe pumila ‘Quicksilver’ is a striking evergreen succulent admired for its silvery-grey, softly scalloped foliage that takes on purple or wine tones when exposed to bright light or cooler temperatures. It forms a compact, bushy mound, ideal for containers or garden borders. From late winter through spring and sometimes into summer, it produces clusters of delicate mauve-pink bell-shaped flowers atop slender stems, adding seasonal charm. This versatile plant thrives in well-draining soil and prefers full sun to part shade; increased sun enhances its foliage colour. It is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and suited to pots, rockeries, hanging baskets or as a low edging plant. Though hardy, it may require protection from severe frost. In temperate Australian climates, it performs best outdoors and is winter-hardy to light frost.

Form:

• Shrub – Clumping / Mounding

• Ground Cover

Mature Size:

• Height: 20–30 cm

• Width: 30–60 cm (can spread to 80 cm in ideal conditions)

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

• Indoors / Well‑lit (in containers)

Flowering:

• Flowers in Winter

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers into early Summer

Flower Colour:

• Mauve‑Pink

• Soft Lilac

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Drought Tolerant

• Low Maintenance

• Attractive Silvery Foliage

• Rockery / Container Friendly

• Pollinator Friendly (attracts bees)

• Ground Cover

• Perennial Evergreen

• Suitable for Hanging Baskets and Borders

• Colour-enhancing in bright light

Negative Attributes:

• Sensitive to prolonged frost—needs protection in cold snaps

• Potentially invasive via vegetative spread if unchecked

Toxicity:
All Kalanchoe species contain cardiac glycosides and are mildly toxic to pets and livestock if ingested; keep out of reach of animals.

Companion Plants:

• Other succulents (Echeveria, Sedum, Crassula)

• Cacti (for contrasting texture)

• Mediterranean shrubs (e.g. lavender, rosemary)

• Ornamental grasses or low edging plants for textural contrast