About
An erect or sprawling frost-tender plant to 1m tall and wide with ovate, coarsely-toothed, textured, lime-green leaves. Spikes of blue to pale mauve, tubular, spurred flowers are borne on dark purple stems above the foliage from late spring into summer.
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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Bedding
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toSouthern Africa
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in partial shade in a fertile, well-drained soil; plant outside after risk of frost has passed
PruningDeadhead spent racemes to promote flowering; trim back after flowering or in spring to promote bushy growth
PropagationPropagate by seed or by cuttings taken in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free