Kalanchoe
Posted: March 22, 2026 Filed under: Uncategorized 9 Comments“Good choice. These will last for at least three weeks.” That was what the man next to me in the grocery line said when he saw my flower choice. He followed that with, “I know. I’m in the flower business.” He was right. These cut stems of Kalanchoe have been blooming in my kitchen for almost a month. I’ve only ever had the potted version of this plant, and frankly, the main reason I bought these cut ones was because there was a 2 for 1 special on them, but this won’t be the last time I get them.
As you can see, the bouquet is mainly dark green leathery lobed leaves with a few small flowers at the top. But it’s enough to create a spot of brightness in the kitchen while we wait for spring in Montreal, and it’s a great subject to sketch.
If you are also waiting for warmer weather and looking forward to painting flowers, today is the last day of the spring sale on all my online flower courses. Use the coupon code SPRING25 for 25% off on Sketching Spring Flowers, Wet-in-Wet Blooms, Sketching Fresh Flowers and Sketching a Winter Garden. The sale is on until midnight ET tonight.
I didn’t know that you could use these as cut flowers either. I especially like the wide variety of greens you’ve used. And excellent colours as we cope with the on-again-off-again teasing spring weather.
Jan, thanks for having a look. For these greens, I mixed in a lot of Hooker’s Green to the yellow and Ultramarine. That seems to deepen the green and it was perfect for these leaves.
I didn’t know you could get them as cut flowers! I’ve only seen them potted. Very nice!
I didn’t know either! But if I see them again, I will buy them. There are pink blooms that have taken at least 3 weeks to open.
Shari, you have such a lovely way of seamlessly telling a story connecting painting to everyday life. I try my best to follow your example. Thanks.
Michael, it’s always wonderful to hear from you. I hope all is well in California, and I hope the sketchers are continuing to meet regularly!
Very cheery! You really captured the character of this unusual plant.
Thanks Alison. We’ve had so many dreary days. I did need a little bit of “cheery” in my studio.
I know they must brighten up the room! This is lovely!!