Gastonis Bonnieri, also known as Donkey Ears, Palm Beachbells, and Giant Kalanchoe, is a fast-growing biennial succulent native to Madagascar. This variety rapidly reaches 12-18" in height and width, with leaves 12-20" long at maturity. Peach flowers bloom atop a 2-3' stalk in fall or winter, after which the biennial plant begins to die back. Donkey Ears is best suited to a Mediterranean climate where outdoor temperatures stay at 55 degrees or above. This plant is a fantastic ornamental addition to a xeriscape, hanging basket, or large container. In cold climates, bring containers indoors over the winter. Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri needs little maintenance or water to flourish in full to partial sun.
Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri Selling Tips
Sell Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri to customers looking for a low-maintenance succulent as a gift, for a rock garden, or to add to a houseplant collection. Donkey Ears offers gray-green splotched foliage 12-24" tall and salmon-pink flowers from fall to winter. Biennial and fast-growing, this plant flourishes in full or partial sun with little water or maintenance. Overwinter Kalanchoe outdoors in zone 10-11 or bring containers indoors in cold climates. Giant Kalanchoe brings unique visual interest to the landscape. For a superior houseplant Kalanchoe variety, try Behartii.
Coach Your Customer
1. Plant in well-draining peat, sand, and perlite mixture in full or partial sun. Direct afternoon sunlight can burn the leaves of this plant.
2. Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri, plant one rooted plug per 4-inch container, three plugs per 1-gallon container, or 4-5 plugs per 10-inch container. Use a well-drained mix of peat, sand, and perlite with a pH of 5.6-6.2, EC (2:1) of .50-.75, low feed (100-150 ppm N), daytime temperatures of 68-85, and nighttime temperatures of 58-75. Pinching may promote branching but will delay finishing time. Supply 5,000-7,500 foot candles of light. Water thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. With no overwatering, any disease is rare among this plant. You may see aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Flowering
Salmon pink flowers bloom in fall or winter.
Pinching
Pinching can promote branching but delays finish time.
Spacing
Space containers for adequate airflow around the base of each plant and to allow sunlight to penetrate to the soil level.
Height Control
This plant doesn't require PGRs.
Pests
You may see aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Disease
This plant isn't prone to disease. Do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
Planting Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri Liners
We recommend planting one rooted liner per 4-inch container, three per 6-inch or 8-inch container, or 4-5 liners per 10-inch container. Use a well-drained mix of peat, sand, and perlite and completely bury the ellepot in the center or equally spaced in the container.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 6-8 Weeks |
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| 10 Inch crop time | 10-12 Weeks |
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| Bloom Period | Fall, Winter |
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| Color | Pink |
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| Habit | Upright |
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| Height | 12-24 Inches |
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| Light | Bright, Full Sun, Partial Shade, Partial Sun |
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| Minimum Temp | 58 |
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| Perennial Zone | 10-11 |
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| Water Needs | Light |
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| Patented Plant | No |
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