Neverdie: A Mysterious Succulent with Limited Garden Appeal
Meet the neverdie (Kalanchoe integra var. verea), a plant that lives up to its dramatic common name but remains somewhat of an enigma in the gardening world. This perennial succulent belongs to the diverse Kalanchoe family, though this particular variety keeps many of its secrets closely guarded.
What is Neverdie?
Neverdie is classified as a forb herb, which means it’s a vascular plant without significant woody tissue above ground. Unlike trees or shrubs, this succulent maintains soft, fleshy stems and leaves while still being a hardy perennial that returns year after year. True to its succulent nature, it likely stores water in its tissues to survive dry conditions.
Where Does Neverdie Come From?
This plant isn’t native to the continental United States. Instead, Kalanchoe integra var. verea has established itself in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where it reproduces spontaneously in the wild without human assistance. It’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized in these tropical locations.
Should You Grow Neverdie in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit frustrating for curious gardeners. There’s surprisingly little information available about this specific variety of Kalanchoe. We don’t know:
- Its exact growing requirements
- How large it gets
- Whether it’s invasive or problematic
- What benefits it might offer to wildlife or pollinators
- Its specific hardiness zones
Given this lack of detailed information, most gardeners might want to consider better-documented alternatives, especially native plants that support local ecosystems.
Consider Native Alternatives Instead
Since neverdie is a non-native plant with unclear garden benefits, you might want to explore native succulent options for your region. Native plants offer several advantages:
- They’re naturally adapted to local climate conditions
- They support native wildlife and pollinators
- They typically require less maintenance once established
- They contribute to local biodiversity
Check with your local native plant society or extension office to discover fascinating native succulents or drought-tolerant plants that would thrive in your specific location.
The Bottom Line
While the neverdie certainly has an intriguing name and belongs to a popular family of succulents, its mysterious nature and non-native status make it a questionable choice for most gardens. The lack of available growing information means you’d be gardening in the dark, so to speak.
Your garden space is valuable, so why not fill it with well-understood native plants that will provide clear benefits to both you and your local ecosystem? Your future self – and the local wildlife – will thank you for choosing plants with known positive impacts.
