About

James' is an evergreen, upright shrub eventually reaching to 2m tall. Spikes of small pale pink-purple flowers are held on purple stems above the foliage in summer. Its heart-shaped leaves are a rich green, softly hairy with purple-tinged, toothed margins.

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

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrows best in full sun but does well in partial shade and can be planted outside after risk of frost has passed
PruningDeadhead spent racemes to promote flowering. To maintain compact, bushy growth prune established plants back by up to one-third at the end of winter before new spring growth begins
PropagationPropagate by seed or from semi-hardwood or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free