Elephant's Ear

Have you ever bought a cute little plant planning to just tuck it in somewhere?  Well that is how my Elephant's Ear began it's life in a narrow raised bed next to my side yard fence. It landed sometime after August 2000 probably as a purchase when I was shopping for roses at the many nurseries along highway 92 near Half Moon Bay. By the way the drive on that highway is ruggedly beautiful with many turns as you travel across the mountains edging the coast.  About a mile before you reach the coast you will notice many nurseries along the road. These places are packed and many specialize in one type of plant such as trees or roses.  Anyway, I am always on the lookout for an unusual succulent and for me Elephant's Ear fits that bill. Formally named Kalanchoe baharensis is a species in the genus Kalanchoe of the Crassulaceae family. Baharensis is thought to have been derived from it's occurrence in Behara, Madagascar.
It has received the British Royal Horticultural Society's AGM designation which indicates it is hardy, pest and disease resistant, and easy care. It is also drought tolerant with overwatering being the main cause of failure. Give it good drainage with full sun or partial shade.

The main appeal of this large succulent are the velvet-to-the-touch leaves. They can reach up to 15 inches in length and almost as wide. Felt like hairs cover the top of each leave with a silvery undercoat. The leave margin is wavy and is tinged with a rust color. At maturity this narrow shrub can reach 12 feet tall. Mine is about 6 feet almost reaching the top of the fence. When mature small yellow-green flowers appear during the winter. I haven't seen them yet.  Keep this plant in a protected space during the winter and you'll be rewarded with quite a specimen.