Palm Beachbells: A Mysterious Non-Native Succulent in Florida
If you’ve stumbled across the name palm beachbells in your plant research, you’ve discovered one of the more mysterious members of the succulent world. This intriguing plant, scientifically known as Kalanchoe gastonisbonnieri, is a non-native perennial that has quietly established itself in Florida’s landscape.
What is Palm Beachbells?
Palm beachbells belongs to the Kalanchoe genus, a group of succulents known for their fleshy leaves and often showy flowers. As a forb, this plant is herbaceous rather than woody, meaning it lacks the significant woody tissue you’d find in shrubs or trees. Instead, it’s a soft-stemmed perennial that survives season after season through underground or ground-level growing points.
What makes this particular Kalanchoe fascinating is how little we actually know about it compared to its more famous cousins like the paddle plant or mother of thousands.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, palm beachbells has been documented growing in Florida, where it has naturalized and reproduces on its own without human intervention. As a non-native species, it wasn’t originally part of Florida’s natural ecosystem but has found conditions suitable enough to establish self-sustaining populations.
Should You Grow Palm Beachbells?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit tricky. While palm beachbells isn’t currently listed as invasive or noxious, the limited information available about this species makes it difficult to provide specific growing recommendations or fully assess its potential impact on native ecosystems.
If you’re drawn to Kalanchoe species for your garden, you might want to consider these factors:
- Very little information exists about its growing requirements
- Its long-term behavior in cultivation is unknown
- Native alternatives might be better documented and supported
Consider Native Alternatives
Instead of taking a chance on this mysterious species, Florida gardeners might find more success and ecological value in native succulents and drought-tolerant plants. Some excellent options include:
- Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia species) – native Florida succulents
- Coontie (Zamia integrifolia) – a native cycad with thick, succulent-like leaves
- Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis) – native coastal perennial
The Bottom Line
Palm beachbells represents one of those garden mysteries that reminds us how much we still don’t know about the plant world. While it’s not necessarily problematic, the lack of available information makes it a risky choice for most gardeners.
If you’re absolutely determined to work with this species, consider reaching out to local botanical experts, native plant societies, or university extension services who might have more detailed knowledge about its behavior and requirements in your specific area.
Sometimes the most responsible gardening choice is to stick with what we know works well – and in Florida’s case, that means focusing on the incredible diversity of native plants that have evolved to thrive in the state’s unique conditions while supporting local wildlife.
