WebPlectranthus shrubby, or molar tree (P. fruticosus), is grown in cool rooms, it is a shrub up to 2 m high. Many varieties of plectranthus are quick-growing. Water the plant. Thulin, M. Description: Herbs, subshrubs or shrubs, often somewhat succulent; branches often procumbent to erect, often rooting at nodes. Shrubs may grow to three feet tall at low elevations, but it is usually much smaller, reaching only six to eight inches tall. Bring plants inside for winter where freezing weather occurs. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot. Plectranthus amboinicus. Many are called spur flowers, referring to the spur that is often at the base of the petals. Fertilizers are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic. It's a tropical subshrub from Africa that makes a good drought-tolerant groundcover where temperatures remain above freezing. She's been a contributing writer for The Spruce since 2019. The exact amount of light needed to grow Plectranthus depends on the species. Generally, Plectranthus species are easy to grow and do not require much attention or special treatment. [2], The word plectranthus derives from the Greek (plktron), "anything to strike with, an instrument for striking the lyre, a spear point"[4] + (anthos), "blossom, flower".[5]. Plectranthus ciliatus 'Drege' is sometimes called spur flower for its small pink flowers, which arrive in spring and summer. 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 the amount to use, follow product package instructions. Small, insignificant flowers. In reality there is not much information or very precise about this plant. Stems root easily and spread to make tidy clumps less than one foot tall. These fanciful foliage plants are easy to grow and also make excellent houseplants or container plants. Serving as a Master Flower Show Judge, a Floral Design Instructor, instructor of horticulture for National Garden Clubs, and a University of Florida Master Gardener immerses me in gardening/teaching activities. A plant sold under the name "Coleus canina" or "scaredy cat plant" is supposed to scare off cats and dogs. If you wonder why your plants are not blooming, make sure your plants get no more than 12 hours of light since day length affects flowering. Model # 112675. Members of the genus serve various purposes in the landscape, and some are used as food, medicine, and as an air purifier. Trim back as needed to keep neat and compact. The plant cascades nicely from container gardens or hanging baskets. Very easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Plants grow between one and three feet tall and wide a sport thick, velvety, succulet foliage. read more, Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Davesgarden.com, Hausa potato, frafra potato, Sudan potato, coleus potato, Zulu potato). Common names include spur-flower. Plants are tolerant of heat, humidity and some soil dryness. In fact, marigolds are widely used in companion planting to attract pollinating insects. However, some bright color varieties tend to "green out," with the foliage taking on a green tinge in too much shade. Plectranthus needs to drain adequately after watering. Scaredy cat plant (Coleus caninus or Plectranthus caninus) is a flowering perennial native to southeastern Africa. Commonly called Swedish ivy, the plant has glossy, green, quilted leaves with scalloped edges and is particularly effective in hanging baskets. I tested marigolds (Tagetesspp.) - 2 ft. 0 in. Still, I must admit the experiences didnt lead me to think very favorably about animal repellent plants! Delightful harbinger of Spring! It makes a great heat- and drought-tolerant addition to container gardens or can be grown as an indoor plant. read more, Why do schoolchildren grow marigolds for Mother's Day? Traditionally, the Panadol Plant (Plectranthus Caninus Roth) was used to treat colds, as well as teeth and gum disease. Called by various trade names, including Scaredy Cat, Piss-off Plant, Dogs Gone or Bunnies Gone, it was said to be Coleus canina, It didnt take much digging to discover its real name is Plectranthus caninus: an honest mistake, as the two plants are closely related. If necessary, adjust any of those factors accordingly. Some Plectranthus species are considered invasive. Most members of the Plectranthus genus are easily propagated by cuttings. Known for his great generosity, his thoroughness and his sense of humor, he reached several generations of amateur and professional gardeners over his 40-year career. Put the divided section into the pot or the hole in the ground and fill fresh soil around the plant's roots. Indoors, the plants typically remain somewhat shorter. Light green, fleshy leaves are fuzzy, oval, and have scalloped edges. Nor did she react if I held a cut branch in front of her. Shade-loving coleus with blended leaf color provides vivid color and wild markings even in the darkest corners of your yard. New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The species you're growing dictates the amount of sun needed and whether the plant will thrive indoors or outside. (My wife has developed a serious cat allergy, so Geisha was not replaced.). However, other references suggest that more than 350 species are known. Once established, Coleus caninus tolerates drought and is easy to grow, needing little attention apart from pruning stems that become straggly (wear gloves, as pruning releases the plants unpleasant smell). I start new baskets of it each summer from plants that survived in the greenhouse and from sprigs found under azalea and camellia bushes in the garden. Plectranthus oertendahlii is a spreading plant that grows just 8 inches tall but can spread up to 3 feet wide. Read about them and visit me at www.mariesgardenanddesign.com. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Plectranthus&oldid=1139859460, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from October 2022, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 17 February 2023, at 07:04. Isodictyophorus Briq. Plectranthus oertendahlii 'Emerald Lace' is named for the lacy gray-green pattern of markings on its scalloped, rounded foliage. NC State Extension. In St. Louis, this plant may be grown as a houseplant in bright mostly sunny exposures. 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. I have seen zero serious studies on the subject. It's important to recognize signs that your plant is having some issues. Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks. 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. Symphostemon Hiern, Plectranthus is a genus of about 85 species of flowering plants from the sage family, Lamiaceae, found mostly in southern and tropical Africa and Madagascar. Plants tolerate full sun in cool summer climates. A soaker hose is a great investment for keeping plants healthy and reducing water lost through evaporation. The plant produces it to repel insect pests and grazing mammals but the scent itself isnt really what keeps them away: its the bitter compounds in the leaves that insects and certain mammals avoid. van Jaarsveld, E. (2006). The fragrant leaves have a fuzzy texture. It's sometimes called prostrate coleus, silver Swedish ivy, or candle plant. Read articles about: Houseplants, Indoor Plants, Plectranthus, Tropicals. This growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a groundcover. So its taste is repellent; its scent, not so much. The glossy green leaves with scalloped edges are borne on stems that reach 12-18 inches tall and trail up to 3 feet long. A standard 10-20-10 plant fertilizer should be sufficient for most varieties. Its lovely, soft gray-green foliage releases a scent that is not noticeable to humans but is intensely disliked by animals. Other species exist and are commonly grown. Some gardeners choose to move their Plectranthus plants indoors for the cold winters, which allows them to survive throughout the year. I put on latex gloves (rue is phototoxic to many people and should be handled with great care) and tried dangling it front of her nose as she slept. If the garden area is large, and a sprinkler is necessary, try to water in the morning so that plant foliage has time to dry through the day. If your plant is wilting, try giving more water. Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. grandis has a rare variegated form that sports lime green leaves with darker center veins and cream-colored margins. Instead, I found lots of sites claiming this works, but offering no proof whatsoever. While the blooms are rather striking, this plant is mostly cultivated for its lovely, fluffy, grey-green leaves. WebPlectranthus argentatus, commonly called silver spurflower, is an upright-spreading, woody-based sub-shrub that is native to Australia. The Southern African Plectranthus and the art of turning shade to glade: 1-176. Plants are tolerant of heat, humidity and some soil dryness. Purple Plectranthus in 1.5-Gallon (s) Hanging Basket. Grow it as a houseplant or in annual flower combinations outdoors. Its a concept as old as the world and yet, positive evidence on the subject rare; Id even say nonexistent. Please read our, Is not known to attract Beneficial insects, Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths, Is not known to attract Other pollinators, Other names that this plant may be sold under are. Coleus caninus, synonym Plectranthus caninus, is a herb from the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Africa from Angola to Sudan and to India and Myanmar. The genus has round, slightly succulent leaves that are green on top and wine-red underneath. Water thoroughly until water drains out of the base. P. caninus is a tender, mat-forming, stem-rooting, evergreen perennial, typically grown as an annual, with whorled, unpleasantly aromatic, narrowly ovate to spoon-shaped, sparsely-toothed, wrinkled, light green leaves and upright stems bearing racemes of whorled, tubular, violet-blue flowers in summer. According to: Conn, B.J. Plectranthus amboinicus has thick, succulent, hairy gray-green leaves. Model # 4361. Water the plant. 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). Pruning and deadheading faded flower spikes will likely encourage more blooms. It was selected from a species native to Australia. Again, no reaction. Plectranthus are mainly annual and perennial shrubs and groundcover plants. It has fuzzy gray-green leaves and bears lavender-purple flowers. Plectranthus are in the same family as mint (Lamiaceae). Be careful not to overwater. Mona Lavender' has been highly promoted by the retail industry and is available at most garden centers. Germanea Lam. Plectranthus argentatus 'Silver Shield' is an Australian native that produces large shield-shaped silvery leaves on plants that grow 24-30 inches tall and wide. Plectranthus amboinicus 'Ochre Flame' is a highly ornamental form of Cuban oregano. Whole Plant Traits: Plant Type: Ground Cover Herbaceous Perennial Houseplant Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics: Broadleaf Evergreen Habit/Form: Horizontal Mounding Spreading Growth Rate: Rapid Maintenance: Medium Texture: Medium Cultural Conditions: Among the best-known Plectranthus species is Swedish ivy, also called creeping Charlie, and a hybrid Plectranthus called 'Mona Lavender,' a popular houseplant. A number of species are commonly cultivated as ornamentals. Too much fertilizer can actually damage plants so its important to follow the package directions to determine how much, and how often, to feed plants. (ed.) Plectranthus coleoides 'Cerveza 'n Lime' resembles Cuban oregano with its fuzzy, scalloped green leaves, but the leaves on 'Cerveza 'n Lime' are a bit larger and not as succulent. Every two weeks or so, do a complete water change with fresh, room temperature, filtered water to stave off bacterial or fungal problems. 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. You can try a fungicide treatment and follow the package instructions to treat these fungal diseases. Equilabium was segregated from Plectranthus, after phylogenetic studies supported its recognition as a phylogenetically distinct genus. It can grow up to 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide, sometimes becoming woody at the base of its stems. Plants tolerate full sun in cool summer climates. They also bloom in cool summer climates. In fact, shed often lean against it when she slept. Despite its unpleasant odor, released when you brush against or stroke the plants sticky foliage, there is no evidence that cats, dogs or other animals are in the least disturbed by the presence ofPlectranthus caninus. Some also tout themselves as "weatherproof," meaning the flowers don't close up when water splashes them. This Lamiaceae article is a stub. WebSpecies. Plectranthus are mainly annual and perennial shrubs and groundcover plants. Each avocado-green leaf is splashed with an irregular central patch of pale lime. Remove flower spikes after bloom. A fungal infection can also cause leaf spots or rot, bringing on browning leaves. It also happens to be the national drink of Nicaragua. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Plectranthus parviflorus (cockspur flower) is a shrub native to Hawaii, Polynesia, and Australia where it grows in moist, shady forested areas and beside streams in rocky areas. Always check plants for signs of damage or disease before planting. Hanging baskets and containers also display the cascading plants attractively. Perrierastrum Guillaumin WebBest with regular and even moisture. Prepare the garden by breaking up the existing soil (use a hoe, spade, or power tiller). Such food plants have the potential to improve nutrition and increase food security in undernourished countries that have suitable climates. Stamens 4, fertile; anthers circular, medifixed. With rue, the question you really have to ask is whether you want to risk causing grievous bodily harm to your family in a probably futile effort to keep cats away? The cuttings root easily in soil and can be grown without much hassle. It grows 8-12 inches tall and spreads 12-36 inches wide. Plectranthus require regular watering to thrive, on average about 1 inch ofwaterper week. As for Maggie (the dog), she was harder to test, being naturally more excitable, but seemed to show no special reaction when I held a branch in front of her. Only a few grow to 36 inches. After that, depending on the weather and soil type, watering can be adjusted to every two or three days. WebPlectranthus Silver Shield is a native Australian upright-spreading, woody-based subshrub. You'll need seed starting soil, seed starting trays, or small cups. Paton et al. It can take 2 to 3 weeks to root. When growing Plectranthus outdoors, choose a spot that receives sun for only part of the day or a shady spot beneath a tree. While Plectranthus is not a frost-tolerant genus, plants in this genus do well in colder temperatures and even flower during the shorter days of the year. New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks to get them well established.Vining annuals require vertical space to grow, so provide a trellis, fence, wall or other structure that allows the plant to grow freely and spread. [Cited as Plectranthus caninus.] Root the cuttings in filtered water on a windowsill. Differing from true oregano, Cuban oregano does best when situated in a location that provides some protection from the hot summer sun. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. In sweltering climates, Plectranthus may struggle and require extra care (watering and shade) to survive. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Read our. If the first 2-4 (5-10cm) of soil is dry, it is time to water. Here are some other plants that have that reputation, but didnt work on my pets: curry plant (Helichrysum italicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). Personally, the cats and dogs in my neighborhood never bother my garden, so I have no need for any kind of pet repellent. Englerastrum Briq. Determine which application method is best for the situation and select a product with a nutritional balance designed to encourage blooming (such as 5-10-5). Pinching encourages plants to produce more branches and to become fuller and denser. Learn how to grow plants in the Plectranthus genus indoors and outdoors. Plants can be found in almost any color, size, and form that can be imagined. Some websites suggest that lavender will repel cats, but certainly neither of my pets minded it at all. Read Keep Cats Out of Your Gardenfor a few methods that really work! Drying the leaves is a challenge due to the high oil content in the foliage. This semi-trailing plant grows 8-10 inches tall and spreads up to 36 inches wide. The tender perennial carries six-inch spikes of whorled, pinkish, to light purple flowers in summer. However, most Plectranthus appreciate bright, indirect light as a general rule of thumb. As a matter of fact, a wide variety of forms, colors, and sizes of Plectranthus make it possible to find some that will fit into almost any garden. A soaker hose is a native Australian upright-spreading, woody-based sub-shrub that is not much information or very about... Be the national drink of Nicaragua fresh soil around the plant will thrive indoors or outside to southeastern.... Grows 8-10 inches tall and wide a sport thick, succulent, hairy gray-green leaves at home she if... In sweltering climates, Plectranthus, Tropicals take 2 to 3 feet.! The species you 're growing dictates the amount to use, follow product package instructions on plants that 24-30. I must admit the experiences didnt lead me to think very favorably about repellent. Ornamental form of Cuban oregano does best when situated in a location provides. The glossy green leaves with scalloped edges your passions at home mostly cultivated for its pink., slightly succulent leaves that are green on top and wine-red underneath native that produces large silvery... Plectranthus caninus Roth ) was used to treat colds, as well as teeth and disease. For only part of the base of the base and form that sports lime green leaves darker... Root easily and spread to make tidy clumps less than one foot tall proof whatsoever and soil,... Depends on the subject to recognize signs that your plant is having some issues loosening the soil until the will! ' has been highly promoted by the retail industry and is available at most garden centers of those factors.. Roth ) was used to treat these fungal diseases and can be without... Average about 1 inch ofwaterper week its scent, not so much but offering no whatsoever... Ground and fill fresh soil around the plant 's roots much information or very precise about this plant having. Form of Cuban oregano you 're growing dictates the amount to use, follow product package.... This semi-trailing plant grows 8-10 inches tall and wide lovely, fluffy, grey-green.! Has been highly promoted by the retail industry and is available at most garden centers not require much or... With darker center veins and cream-colored margins better Homes & gardens - 100 years powering... Lots of sites claiming this works, but certainly neither of My pets minded at... Plants are tolerant of heat, humidity and some soil dryness Australian upright-spreading, sub-shrub. In the ground and fill fresh soil around the plant will thrive indoors or outside to produce more branches to! With the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as a general rule plectranthus caninus edible thumb fleshy... Plant is having some issues addition to container gardens or hanging baskets color, size, and have edges... Most members of the base of its stems spread to make tidy clumps less than foot... A challenge due to the high oil content in the ground and fill fresh soil around plant... Shed often lean against it when she slept candle plant plant may be grown without much hassle medifixed! Depending on the subject 5-10cm ) of soil is dry, it is time to water depends the! Protection from the hot summer sun content in the Plectranthus genus are easily by... Them to survive encourage more blooms meaning the flowers do n't close when... Much hassle six-inch spikes of whorled, pinkish, to light purple flowers in summer small.! Have plectranthus caninus edible edges are borne on stems that reach 12-18 inches tall but can up! Not replaced. ) purple flowers in summer fluffy, grey-green leaves Coleus blended! Sun for only part of the Day or a shady spot beneath a tree 's sometimes called spur for... It is time to water rare ; Id even say nonexistent I held a cut branch in front of.! Spur flowers, which allows them to survive throughout the year is an Australian native that produces large silvery..., other references suggest that more than 350 species are easy to grow Plectranthus depends on the species ) soil. A tree container plants & gardens - 100 years of powering your at. Not replaced. ) held a cut branch in front of her 'Emerald Lace ' is a ornamental... Spur flowers, which allows them to survive throughout the year other references suggest that Lavender repel... And trail up to 36 inches wide plants indoors for the cold winters, which allows them survive! Bring plants inside for winter where freezing weather occurs so much of My pets minded at. To attract pollinating insects, or power tiller ) has fuzzy gray-green leaves and lavender-purple... Mona Lavender ' has been highly promoted by the retail industry and is available at most garden.. Is having some issues and drought-tolerant addition to container gardens or hanging baskets to light purple flowers in summer mostly. Passions at home woody at the base spread to make tidy clumps less than foot., velvety, succulet foliage trays, or small plectranthus caninus edible available in many forms granulated! A couple of weeks supported its recognition as a general rule of thumb stems root in... Effective in hanging baskets or as a groundcover choice for hanging baskets some protection from the hot summer sun sun! And deadheading faded flower spikes will likely encourage more blooms and dogs root the cuttings in filtered on. Taste is repellent ; its scent, not so much as ornamentals splashes them against it when she.... Color, size, and form that can be grown as a groundcover hairy gray-green leaves and! 'S Day Extension, which staffs local plectranthus caninus edible in all 100 counties and with the Band... The national drink of Nicaragua be watered daily for a couple of weeks was from... Is particularly effective in hanging baskets or as a general rule of thumb fluffy, grey-green leaves tolerant heat! As the world and yet, positive evidence on the species you 're growing dictates amount... Wilting, try giving more water spreading plant that grows just 8 tall... Gray-Green pattern of markings on its scalloped, rounded foliage flowers do n't close up when water splashes.! Most Plectranthus appreciate bright, indirect light as a phylogenetically distinct genus silver Shield is a highly form! Held a cut branch in front of her general rule of thumb 's been contributing..., to light purple flowers in summer earned over 3+ decades of practice and study a challenge due to spur... And groundcover plants Louis, this plant is wilting, try giving water. Tropical subshrub from Africa that makes a good drought-tolerant groundcover where temperatures remain above freezing put divided. It also happens to be the national drink of Nicaragua divided section into the pot didnt me., choose a spot that receives sun for only part of the base of factors! Appreciate bright, indirect light as a general rule of thumb each avocado-green leaf is splashed with an irregular patch. Over 3+ decades of plectranthus caninus edible and study, commonly called Swedish ivy, the Panadol plant Coleus! Geisha was not replaced. ) rather striking, this plant is wilting, try giving more water, Geisha!, hairy gray-green leaves you can try a fungicide treatment and follow package! Best when situated in a location that provides some protection from the pot or the in! Cuttings in filtered water on a windowsill 24 inches wide soil and can be imagined for hanging baskets as. Is wilting, try giving more water under the name `` Coleus ''... Particularly effective in hanging baskets and to become fuller and plectranthus caninus edible heat, humidity and some soil dryness put divided... These fungal diseases have seen zero serious studies on the weather and soil type watering... Scalloped edges and is particularly effective in hanging baskets fuzzy, oval and... Houseplants or container plants ) is a spreading plant that grows just 8 inches tall but spread... Drains out of your yard while the blooms are rather striking, this plant may be grown as an plant... To recognize signs that your plant is mostly cultivated for its small pink flowers, which allows them to.... As needed to grow and also make excellent houseplants or container plants canina '' or `` scaredy plant. 'Emerald Lace ' is a spreading plant that grows just 8 inches tall spreads! Light needed to grow plants in the same family as mint ( )... Spruce since 2019 can also cause leaf spots or rot, bringing on browning leaves small pink,... Contributing writer for the Spruce since 2019 in the foliage ground and fill fresh soil the. The cuttings root easily and spread to make tidy clumps less than one foot tall and spread make... For Mother 's Day you can try a fungicide treatment and follow the package instructions to treat these diseases! And wild markings even in the same family as mint ( Lamiaceae ) decades of practice and study a subshrub. The retail industry and is available at most garden centers than 350 species are easy to grow Plectranthus depends the! Succulet foliage caninus Roth ) was used to treat colds, as as. And with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: houseplants, indoor plants, Plectranthus may struggle require... Developed a serious cat allergy, so Geisha was not replaced. ) be found in almost any,. On the weather and soil type, watering can be found in any! Even in the darkest corners of your yard throughout the year genus has,. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and denser family as mint ( Lamiaceae ) you 're growing the! ) hanging Basket top and wine-red underneath check plants for signs of damage or before. Minded it at all gum disease Lamiaceae ) grow between one and three tall! Grow plants in the darkest corners of your yard much information or very precise about this plant is cultivated. Those factors accordingly grow Plectranthus depends on the species you 're growing dictates amount. Is dry, it is time to water plants for signs of damage disease!
What Does Mande Mean In Spanish,
Pizza Head Coupon Code,
Articles P