About
A sprawling, evergreen perennial grown as a bedding plant, in hanging baskets or under glass. It has rounded, heavily veined dark green to maroon-purple foliage which is aromatic when crushed, and spikes of small, tubular, two-lipped, mauve-pink flowers can be produced from spring to autumn.
About the genus
Plectranthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs, with opposite, ovate or heart-shaped, sometimes fleshy leaves, and 2-lipped, tubular flowers borne in whorls forming spikes or panicles
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in a well-drained soil in partial shade, used as foliage plant either in beds or in a container. Protect from frost. Can be grown under glass but shade from hot sun
PruningNo pruning required but if affected by frost, cut back by about a third at the end of the winter to encourage fresh growth
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free