Overview
Thorncroftia succulenta is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Thorncroftia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Thorncroftia succulenta grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include border plants and containers.
About
Thorncroftia succulenta is a clump-forming deciduous cultivar within the Thorncroftia genus, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for full sun or partial shade, it can be grown in exposed or sheltered locations, favouring south, east, or west-facing aspects. Hardy to UK zone H4, this cultivar is ideal for borders and containers. Propagation is achieved by separating corms during dormancy, with interest primarily in the spring and summer seasons.
About the genus
Thorncroftia (whistlesweets) is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, first described as a genus in 1912. It is native to southern Africa.SpeciesThorncroftia coddii Changwe & K.Balkwill – South Africa Thorncroftia greenii Changwe & K.Balkwill – South Africa Thorncroftia longiflora N.E.Br – Eswatini, South Africa (Mpumalanga) Thorncroftia lotteri T.J.Edwards & McMurtry – South Africa (Mpumalanga) Thorncroftia media Codd – South Africa Thorncroftia malolotjaensis K.Balkwill – Eswatini Thorncroftia succulenta (R.A.Dyer & E.A.Bruce) Codd – South Africa (Limpopo) Thorncroftia thorncroftii (S.Moore) Codd – Eswatini, South Africa
Wikipedia contributors, "Thorncroftia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thorncroftia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thorncroftia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Thorncroftia succulenta size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Border plants, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thorncroftia succulenta
- Propagation
- By separating corms when dormant
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thorncroftia succulenta?
Thorncroftia succulenta prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thorncroftia succulenta need?
Thorncroftia succulenta is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Thorncroftia succulenta hardy in the UK?
Thorncroftia succulenta 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 Thorncroftia succulenta?
By separating corms when dormant.