Overview
Heterocentron elegans is a plant with a shrub, up to 10 cm high, spread 1 m habit in the genus Heterocentron, part of the Melastomataceae family, with opposite, ovate to oblong, 1-2 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, often with purplish tinge foliage. Heterocentron elegans grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental. It is native to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast and Mexico Southeast.
About
Heterocentron elegans, commonly known as Spanish shawl, is a low-growing shrub in the Melastomataceae family. It reaches up to 10 cm in height with a spread of about 1 metre. The plant features opposite, ovate to oblong leaves measuring 1-2 cm long and up to 1.5 cm wide, often showing a purplish tinge. Suited to full sun and sheltered, south-facing positions, it thrives in moist, neutral loam soils. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is an ornamental choice for spring and summer interest and can be propagated by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
About the genus
Heterocentron is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Melastomataceae.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Heterocentron
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Heterocentron elegans size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub, up to 10 cm high, spread 1 m
- Foliage
- Opposite, ovate to oblong, 1-2 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, often with purplish tinge
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental
- Native to
- El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Heterocentron elegans
- Propagation
- Seed, semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Not specified
- Disease resistance
- Not specified
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Heterocentron elegans?
Heterocentron elegans prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heterocentron elegans need?
Heterocentron elegans grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Heterocentron elegans hardy in the UK?
Heterocentron elegans has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Heterocentron elegans?
Seed, semi-hardwood cuttings.
