Plectranthus plants appreciate monthly fertilization during their active growing period, from the spring to the fall. Treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Hence the common name of 'DogBane'. Plectranthus purpuratus is a tender perennial that smells like Vick's Vaporub. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Description: Herbs, subshrubs or shrubs, often somewhat succulent; branches often procumbent to erect, often rooting at nodes. Not one! Invasive Species Compendium: Plectranthus amboinicus(Indian borage). Wave petunias have made this plant even more popular. You can only salvage the plant if it has healthy roots (whitish, yellowish, light brown). A number of species are commonly cultivated as ornamentals. This plant overwinters in my Zone 8B garden in protected places. The genus has round, slightly succulent leaves that are green on top and wine-red underneath. How to Grow & Care for Joseph's Coat (Joyweed), How to Grow and Care for Ctenanthe (Never Never Plant), How to Grow and Care for 'Mona Lavender' Plectranthus, How to Grow and Care for Coreopsis (Tickseed), How to Grow and Care for Totem Pole Cactus, How to Grow and Care for Dutchman's Breeches, Philodendron Varieties: How to Grow Indoors, How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Mia (Green Princess), How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Squamiferum, Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (some species). Plectranthus are in the same family as mint (Lamiaceae ). Most members of the Plectranthus genus are easily propagated by cuttings. - 1 ft. 6 in. Bring plants inside for winter where freezing weather occurs. Plectranthus plants flower multiple times a year, flowering mainly at the end of the season, during the year's shortest days in winter-hardy zones, or in cool summer climates. Dark-green elongated, oval, sharp-tipped, fuzzy leaves with serrated edges are attractive, particularly when purplish new leaves are present. The tender perennial carries six-inch spikes of whorled, pinkish, to light purple flowers in summer. It's also good to pinch off old flower blooms. In cold climates or snowy winters, Plectranthus will die back but may come back in the warmer spring months, depending on the species. by Marie Harrison (can2grow) June 10, 2011. Those grown in sun are more compact and the purple color on the undersides of the leaves is much more intense. Some gardeners choose to move their Plectranthus plants indoors for the cold winters, which allows them to survive throughout the year. The essential oil from the aerial parts of Plectranthus caninus roth (lamiaceae), obtained by hydro-distillation was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (gc/Ms) and evaluated for antimicrobial, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities. Plectranthus ciliatus 'Drege' is sometimes called spur flower for its small pink flowers, which arrive in spring and summer. Inflorescence terminal or in the upper leaf axils; flowers in compact cymose clusters. Firm the soil down around the plant by hand, tamping with the flat side of a small trowel, or even by pressing down on the soil by foot. at a later date, because I had not heard it was supposed to have repellent effects, at least not on mammals. In fact, shed often lean against it when she slept. Upright flower spikes (terminal racemes to 12" long) with tubular bluish-white flowers (each to 1/2" long) bloom in summer.Genus name comes from the Greek words plectron meaning "spur" and anthos meaning "flower" in reference to the spur-shaped flowers of some members of the genus.Specific epithet means silvery. Avoid poorly-drained clay soils. If watering doesn't perk up your plant, you likely have root rot. Also, remove damaged leaves to prevent spores from spreading. Drying the leaves is a challenge due to the high oil content in the foliage. Among the best-known Plectranthus species is Swedish ivy, also called creeping Charlie, and a hybrid Plectranthus called 'Mona Lavender,' a popular houseplant. WebPlectranthus shrubby, or molar tree (P. fruticosus), is grown in cool rooms, it is a shrub up to 2 m high. The plant cascades nicely from container gardens or hanging baskets. Also, some species are toxic to animals; for example, Indian borage is also toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Light foliage varieties, especially gold ones, can sometimes burn in full sun, causing unsightly bleached leaves. WebFamily Researching in Kansas. The blooms of plectranthus are not usually the main attraction, but there are some exceptions. Plant the stem cutting and its new roots about an inch deep in the new pot or in the ground. These pollinators are usually active in late summer into winter, the time that coincides with the blooming periods of many of the plectranthus species. All petunias do best and grow more bushy and full if you pinch or cut them back by one- to two-thirds in midsummer. However, other references suggest that more than 350 species are known. Its a concept as old as the world and yet, positive evidence on the subject rare; Id even say nonexistent. Mouse over pictures for specific credits. It has a semi-prostrate growth pattern that makes it useful as a trailing plant in container gardens or as a groundcover in landscape beds. New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks. Plant Coleus caninus in borders or pots the advantage of growing in containers is being able to readily move plants under cover for the winter to a frost-free place. Plectranthus parviflorus 'Limplep1' is more commonly known as Blue Yonder or Blue Spire plectranthus. It is also used sparingly in seasoning mixes. Common or English lavender is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; meanwhile, 'Mona Lavender' is a non-toxic plant with equally beautiful, similar-looking flowers that bloom over a long period. Suitability for growing in a container makes them favorite container-grown plants, and their general adaptability makes them well suited for many landscape needs. WebSpecies. WebThis attractive member of the Mint family is native to South Africa. As an annual foliage plant, it normally grows to If the first 2-4 (5-10cm) of soil is dry, it is time to water. Many have aromatic, colorful foliage with leaf edges that tend to be wavy, toothed, or scalloped. From there it went to Solenostemon scutellarioides, but recently the name has been changed to Plectranthus scutellarioides. Pinching encourages plants to produce more branches and to become fuller and denser. Blue spur flower (Plectranthus oertendahlii), also known as speckled spur flower or candlestick plant, is a low-growing selection that is at home in the low light of the forest floor. It's best to pinch off a few leaves just up from the base of young plants. Ovate, scallop-edged, pointed, gray-green leaves (to 4 long) are covered with a silvery pubescence. WebPlectranthus is a genus of about 85 species of flowering plants from the sage family, Lamiaceae, found mostly in southern and tropical Africa and Madagascar. Coleus is a common plant recently reclassified from the Plectranthus genus to stand as its own genus. It grows 18 inches tall and 36 inches wide. It was selected from a species native to Australia. What plant can Plectranthus replace in the landscape? Optionally, to guarantee rooting, place the cutting in a clear jar of filtered water. In the garden, most plectranthus plants grow from 12 to 28 inches tall. Poorly drained soils or containers with inadequate drainage are usually the main reason for root and stem rot. I have seen zero serious studies on the subject. Obviously much reclassification of the genus has taken place, and even the ubiquitous coleus, until recently known as Solenostemon scutellarioides, is now in the Plectranthus genus. It is also called lobster flower for the clawlike shape of its blue-purple bloom spikes that rise 3-6 inches above the foliage. Isodictyophorus Briq. Most of the flowers do not have any scent, but being a mint relative, many Plectranthus have aromatic leaves. Other species exist and are commonly grown. Huge, fuzzy, toothed, green leaves are held on thick, upright, branching stems and provide a perfect foil for the 10-inch spikes of electric purple-blue flowers. For houseplants, from mid spring to fall, fertilize plectranthus with a liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength. WebBest with regular and even moisture. It's best to water plants in the morning and at the soil line and not directly on the foliage. Sunburn can cause leaves to curl, turn brown, and dry up. Read about them and visit me at www.mariesgardenanddesign.com. The most recent treatment of the genus resurrected the genus Coleus, and 212 names were changed from combinations in Plectranthus, Pycnostachys and Anisochilus. One that I have grown and enjoyed for years is Plectranthus australis. Only a few grow to 36 inches. Cat deterring aside, Coleus caninus is an attractive frost-tender perennial plant that forms a neat bush of lush foliage and bears blue flowers in summer. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Make sure the stem has at least five. Plants are intolerant of frost. Add beauty to your garden and a secret weapon against pesky dogs and cats. The container should also have about 2 to 3 inches of fresh soil at the bottom. Be careful not to overwater. Members of the genus serve various purposes in the landscape, and some are used as food, medicine, and as an air purifier. Some people believe that certain kinds scare away snakes and repel mosquitoes. Although its flowers are somewhat showy, this plant is usually grown primarily for its attractive, fuzzy, gray-green foliage. WebPlectranthus Silver Shield is a native Australian upright-spreading, woody-based subshrub. (ed.) form a strategic partnership called N.C. Plant the seeds shallowly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. It can be grown as a houseplant. It can successfully compete for nutrients and moisture underneath trees. Plectranthus ciliatus and P. barbatus are two invasive species in South Africa. The leaves are both scalloped and wavy at their margins. May be grown as a houseplant. 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