| Botanical Name |
Plectranthus species unknown 2 |
| Family |
Lamiaceae - The mint and salvia family |
| Pronunciation |
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| Common Name(s) |
English: Plectranthus; Spur flower
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| Plant Group |
- Ground Cover A plant with a low-growing, spreading habit, grown specifically to cover the ground.
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| Plant Size |
- Very Small
| Tree | 3m to 4m |
| Shrub | 25cm to 50cm |
| Perennial/ground cover | Up to 10cm |
| Bulb | 10cm to 20cm |
| Succulent | Up to 5cm |
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| Position |
- Canopy Shade Canopy shade is found below closely grown trees where some light filters through. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
- Deep / Full Shade Shade below spreading evergreen trees where sun's rays are unable to penetrate the canopy at any time. For light sensitive plants
- Light or Dappled Shade Found below trees with sparse, open foliage. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
- Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
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| General Information |
- Drought Tolerance: Moderate The plant is moderately adapted to arid conditions and can survive short periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
- Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
- Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
- Prune hard after flowering Fast growing shrubs that grow lanky within a season. Cut off branches and stems of these plants to a third of their original length. This will increase the yield of flowers, improve the plants shape and enhance the structural strength of main branches.
- Water Moderate These plants will need some extra watering compared to water-wise plants. Plant them together, in at least some shade and in a convenient proximity to the house so that grey water can be utilised during times of drought.
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| Specific Information |
Leaf size and shape, as well as growing habit, are the same as for P. verticallatus. The underside of the leaves is however, purple and the upper leaves are a darker green. This plant can tolerate some sun but the deep colours then fade.
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| Flowers |
| Description |
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| Season |
- Autumn Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
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| Colour |
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| Growth Rate |
- Very Fast Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.
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| Plant Uses |
- Attracts bees, butterflies or other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
- Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
- Edging A low growing plant that provides softness or definition to the edges of a bed or walkway.
- Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
- Foliage Plant Plants grown because their foliage is colorful or unique. Many of these plants have insignificant flowers.
- Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
- Interplanting Arranging and planting plants in the garden that have different blooming times and habits of growth, extending the amount of time in which the area is in flower.
- Mass Planting Plants useful for filling a large area with just one or a few kinds of plants spaced close together. Creates a bold, dramatic effect and to reduces maintenance.
- Pot Plant A plant that needs a protected environment on a patio or indoors.
- Stabilize Banks Plant is used to prevent soil erosion because their roots will form a mat that stabilizes the soil and keeps it from washing away in heavy rains.
- Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.
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| Distribution and Habitat |
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| Planting Suggestions |
Plectranthus will grow and flower with the most meager feeding, but for quick, lush growth and a profusion of flowers, it is worthwhile giving the plants a strong start. Plant in well-drained loam or sandy soil with the addition of compost and fertiliser according to your soil needs. Mulch to retain water. Regular watering is also needed but don't over-water - it is best to keep the plants as water wise as possible. Frequent light pruning or tipping is necessary to keep plectranthus compacy. Prune back hard after flowering during midwinter.
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| Medicinal Uses |
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