Snip the cutting 1/4 inch below a set of leaf nodes using clean, sharp pruning shears. Plant in mosit, well-drained soil in part shade. Plants should not be allowed to dry out. Taxonomic descriptions, morphological differences to their allied taxa and colour photographs are … They are generally shallow rooted and enjoy adequate water but they do store water in their stems and are resistant to prolonged periods of drought. Plectranthus are often grown for their attractive foliage, flowers or both and vary in their growth forms from dense prostrate ground covers to sub-shrubs and large shrubs. 3. Cal's Plant of the Week: Plectranthus tomentosa - Vicks Plant, How to Grow Red Burning Bushes From Cuttings. How to Propagate Plectranthus 1. Codd Coleus palliolatus S.Moore Coleus schinzii Gürke Homonyms Plectranthus neochilus Schltr. A generous and tough groundcover for city landscapes Long overlooked by many urban gardeners, Plectranthus neochilus has seen a recent surge in popularity with the current drought raising its profile as a generous and tough succulent groundcover for city landscapes. Most plectranthus are used for foliage interest and have insignificant flowers, with a few notable exceptions. Plectranthus neochilus is a perennial, aromatic, succulent plant up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall and up to 2 feet (60 cm) wide. A magnificent, low-maintenance shrublet with attractive purple flowers. Add water only when it feels completely dry in the top inch. Evergreen Full sun Semi frost tolerant Low water requirements Fast grower Attracts insects. Permanently remove the plastic bag once the cutting roots. While easy to root, Plectranthus cuttings will succumb to rot if kept too moist, so it is vital to water them only when the top inch of soil dries out. This unfussy genus in the Mint family is native from Africa to Asia and the Pacific Islands. Plectranthus are very beautiful plants, which are used both to decorate the interior of houses and the shady or semi-shaded corners of gardens and patios. I have Plectranthus amboinicus, also referred to as Cuban Mint, Plectranthrus coerulescens, Plectranthus tomentosa, or Vick’s Plant and Plectranthus neochilus variegated, also called the lobster flower (read about at San Marcos Growers) growing in my gardens and planters. Plectranthus is a vigorous grower in full sun or partial shade (required in warm inland areas of the West) and evenly moist soil. Your email brought to mind a certain Yeshiva, or Torah academy, located in Jerusalem, Israel’s capital city. Due to the fact that they all flower at the end of the growing season frost does not affect flowering. Propagate by seed or cuttings or by layering. Once the plants have been established for a year or more they become woodier at the base and are more resistant to frost damage.… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Plectranthus. Outside this Yeshiva is a large planter of Plectranthus neochilus, a ground cover species that has playfully been given the names of Dog Gone and Scaredy … Genus: Plectranthus. Once the plants have been established for a year or more they become woodier at the base and are more resistant to frost damage.… – See more at:Â. This Australian species is a spreading shrub up to 3' high. Plectranthus neochilus ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’ forms a ground-hugging mat of gray-green foliage with white leaf margins. Plectranthus australis, commonly called Swedish ivy is a fast-growing, evergreen perennial that is native to South Africa.It typically grows to 2-3’ tall on erect stems that trail and spread as they mature. Stick the leafless portion of the cutting into the moistened growing medium. Missouri State University Horticulture Department Plant Profiles: Plectranthus spp. This plant makes an attractive ground cover when not in flower and is spectacular when flowering. Lobster Flower, Lobster Bush, Fly Bush, Mosquito Bush, Smelly Spur Flower, Blue Coleus, Poor Man's Lavender, Family: Lamiaceae Its branches and leaves are covered with short silver hairs. Although the cuttings will root at any time of the year, they have a long summer ahead to establish if they are propagated at this time. The genus Plectranthus includes more than 350 species of annual and perennial plants, including commonly grown ornamentals such as Cuban oregano (P. amboinicus), Vick's plant (P. tomentosa) and candlestick plant (P. ciliatus). Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 50% to 70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. An excellent guide to the uses of Plectranthus species, giving the basic uses and the literature supporting this. Propagating Plectranthus Plectranthus species are easily propagated through both division and cuttings. Set the potted Plectranthus cutting on a sunny window ledge or outdoors in a sheltered spot if you live in a warm, frost-free area. It is very similar to a couple of other Plectranthus species but I am hopeful that this is the correct name for it (the alternatives being Plectranthus neochilus and Plectranthus caninus). Samantha McMullen began writing professionally in 2001. Keep the potted cutting where it will receive bright yet diffuse light. They are all very easy to propagate, so I tend to take a few cuttings and stick them in here and there. It grows less than a foot tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. Tribe: Ocimeae Poke your fingertip into the growing media every few days to test the moisture level. Plectranthus neochilus 'Mike's Fuzzy Wuzzy' | World of Succulents Plectranthus neochilus 'Mike's Fuzzy Wuzzy' (Variegated Lobster Flower) is a perennial, aromatic, succulent herb, that grows as … Remove the bag every two days to allow some of the trapped moisture to evaporate. Subscribe now and be up to date with our latest news and updates. Schltr. Her nearly 20 years of experience in horticulture informs her work, which has appeared in publications such as Mother Earth News. Subfamily: Nepetoideae With all the interest in new crops, groups of plectranthus are coming onto the market with pro-fuse and very attractive flowers and green, aromatic foliage. Transplant the Plectranthus cutting into a 4- to 6-inch pot filled with standard potting soil three to four weeks after it roots. Gather a cutting from a healthy, mature Plectranthus plant. Only a few plectranthus are in regular cultivation in Britain, yet there are thought to be more than 300 species worldwide. Although they are frost tender they are usually grown in shady protected places and as such are afforded some protection from frost. Most propagation is done from cuttings during the early part of summer and spring. Most species will propagate effortlessly from stem cuttings year-round, although they root most reliably when gathered in spring and kept under temperate conditions away from direct sunlight, cold drafts and excessively dry air. The deep blue and purple flowers are borne from spring through late fall. Plectranthus neochilus or Dogbane is a fast growing perennial herbaceous plant that makes a low mat of musky scented foliage that is often used to repel dogs - as they dislike the odour intensely. Plectranthus neochilus (lobster flower) is an ideal groundcover plant for dry, sunny areas. Noteworthy Characteristics. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Grasp the base of the stem and gently pull upward. Use in landscaping as a border, filler, edging, ground cover and mass planting. Protect from frost and prolonged dry conditions. Set the pot in a shady area while gathering the cutting. Coleus amboinicus, synonym Plectranthus amboinicus, is a semi-succulent perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae with a pungent oregano-like flavor and odor.The origin of Coleus amboinicus is unknown, but it may be native to Africa, and possibly India.Coleus amboinicus is widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere in the tropics where it is used as a spice and ornamental plant. Many species are spreading and will self-layer. Due to the fact that they all flower at the end of the growing season frost does not affect flowering. Plectranthus neochilus is a near non stop bloomer with its lavender blue flowers. USDA hardiness zone 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C). Growing Plectranthus (Plectranthus) Latin Name Pronunciation: plek-tran'-thus. All are tender and are found in the warmer parts of … Most species of Plectranthus require warm conditions, so they will grow outdoors only within U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9B and above. Coleus neochilus (previously Plectranthus neochilus), known as the Smelly Spur Flower, is a hardy, versatile, low growing shrub or ground-cover suitable for both semi-shade and full sun water-wise gardens. Although they are frost tender they are usually grown in shady protected places and as such are afforded some protection from frost. Copyright © 2013-2020 World of Succulents. Tug the Plectrathus cutting in three weeks to check for roots. Push it in until all the nodes are beneath the surface. If the plants are affected by frost they can be cut back at the end of winter and will grow out rapidly. All rights reserved. Fill a 4- to 6-inch plastic pot with soilless growing media containing a moisture-retentive additive such as perlite... 2. To propagate by division, simply divide the plant into several new plants by separating the stems and roots. Gray-green, rounded, slightly scalloped leaves are attractive, but the skunk-like aroma carries for quite a distance on hot, sunny days. plectranthus are for the indoor market. Place a large, clear plastic bag over the potted cutting to hold warmth and moisture around the foliage. Plectranthus are easily cultivated and require little extra attention or special treatment. Water deeply enough for water to run out the drainage hole, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again. Bibliographic References. Plectranthus neochilus (Lobster Flower) - A perennial, aromatic, succulent herb, which grows as a ground-hugging wide spreading mat under 1 foot tall (a little taller in shade or when well watered) with rounded slightly scalloped gray-green foliage and deep blue and purple flowers that rise 3 to 6 inches above the foliage from spring through late fall (some say they bloom year-round). Hence the common name of 'DogBane'. And if there is a real flaw or challenge with this plant, Plectranthus neochilus is rather frost tender melting to the ground if temperatures dip below 30°F. How to Propagate Verbena Bonariensis Using Herbaceous Stem Cuttings, How to Grow a Star Magnolia From Clippings, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension's Successful Gardener: Plectranthus Pleases Foliage Lovers. Coleus neochilus, synonym Plectranthus neochilus, which is colloquially known as lobster bush, fly bush or mosquito bush, is a perennial ground cover with highly fragrant, partially scalloped, ovate leaves and purple blue inflorescent spikes. Slowly pour water onto the growing media in the pot until it begins to trickle from the drainage holes at the bottom. The flowering plectranthus group is Avoid using standard potting soil since it holds too much moisture and often contains potentially harmful bacteria. Drought tolerant snail proof deer resistant & aromatic this South African perennial spreads rapidly to 3 across. Cultivation and Propagation: Plectranthus neochilus has a handsome mound of light green leaves and is covered with small spikes of mid-blue flowers by early autumn. Slowly pour water onto the growing media in the pot until it begins to trickle from the drainage holes at the bottom. Press the soil firmly against the stem. It grows less than a foot tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. Choose a 3- to 5-inch-long tip cutting with at least two pairs of leaf nodes. The many hues of plectranthus along with the various sizes, shapes, and textures available provide options for gardeners. Its leaves are usually rounded, green, although there are some that have them variegated. Growing in 6 of soil spread over our asphalt parking lot we can attest to the extreme indestructibility of this rugged groundcover. Drizzle water onto the media until it feels slightly damp, but not sopping wet. Several species are known for their spectacular flowers, often in pinks, purples, and whites. Stems are clad with broad-ovate, … Place the plant in a warm spot where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect light. Their pretty mauve fl Pluck off and discard the leaves from the bottom half of the Plectranthus cutting to expose the nodes. Exotic looking flower stalk of Plectranthus neochilus - Lobster Flower. It grows easily in a well-drained, semi-shaded position and makes an extremely useful ground cover. Although this plant isn't most notable for its blooms, its foliage takes center stage adding plenty of texture to the garden space. FLOWER COLOUR: It grows well in sunny positions and will tolerate light shade. Plectranthus neochilus ’ tea is widely used for medicinal purposes like digestive disorders, liver problems, hangover and to a lesser extend, for treating respiratory infections. If the plants are affected by frost they can be cut back at the end of winter and will grow out rapidly. Blooms like crazy Spring thru Fall creating a soft haze of attractive 3 spikelets. Molecular studies on Plectranthus and closely related genera by Paton et al show that the old definition of the genus Plectranthus does not have a single common ancestor, and that it contains a distinct clade including the type species of the … Plectranthus ornatus is a shrubby groundcover from South Africa. They enjoy well-composted soil and as rule thrive in semi shade or cool positions on south facing aspects. Lamiaceae (Mint family) Lobster Flower (E) Knoffelsalie (A) Groundcover, perennial, succulent. Plant description: Plectranthus neochilus has purple-blue small spur flowers and rounded, slightly scalloped gray-green, fragrant foliage. Snipping a small, 2” length of the plans and putting it in a rooting medium or even in … Plectranthus are exceptionally easy to propagate and can be produced very easily with little special treatment. Description. Plectranthus neochilus is a perennial, aromatic, succulent plant up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall and up to 2 feet (60 cm) wide. These fanciful foliage plants are easy to grow and make excellent houseplants or container plants. Fill a 4- to 6-inch plastic pot with soilless growing media containing a moisture-retentive additive such as perlite or vermiculite. Feel for resistance to the pulling, which indicates that roots have formed. The best time to propagate is during the spring or early summer. The deep blue and purple flowers are borne from spring through late fall. The flowering types generally bloom outdoors during the short days of … Avoid exposing the cutting to direct sunlight since the foliage will dry out. Plectranthus neochilus 'Mike's Fuzzy Wuzzy' is a perennial, aromatic, succulent herb, that grows as a ground-hugging mat up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall. This species was named by Schlechter in 1896, as Plectranthus neochilus, and was moved by Codd into Coleus in 1961 and then back into Plectranthus in 1985. The leaves are succulent, grey-green and form an attractive ground cover even when the plant is not in flower. They are ideally suited to growth under the shade of trees. Plectranthus neochilus. Plectranthus species Plectranthus neochilus Name Synonyms Coleus neochilus (Schltr.) Prune this plant hard after flowering. Abstract- Three new species of Plectranthus (Lamiaceae) from south Western Ghats are here recognised for the first time, viz., Plectranthus petricola J.Mathew & B.J.Conn, Plectranthus idukkianus J.Mathew, Yohannan & B.J.Conn and Plectranthus saxorum J.Mathew, Yohannan & B.J.Conn. The deep blue and purple flowers are borne from spring through late fall. Press the growing media to expel the excess moisture. Plectranthus neochilus can be propagated by stem cuttings. Propagation Seed - sow in well-drained soil, covering lightly with a thin layer of sand, and place in a warm but shaded spot. Coleus neochilus is frost tender. Rule thrive in Semi shade or cool positions on South facing aspects: from 10 °F ( +4.4 °C.., often in pinks, purples, and whites exotic looking flower stalk Plectranthus. By frost they can be cut back at the bottom makes an attractive ground cover and mass.! 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Around the foliage well-composted soil and as rule thrive in Semi shade or cool positions on South facing plectranthus neochilus propagation be... The soil to fully dry before watering again species are known for their spectacular,. The plastic bag once the cutting to hold warmth and moisture around foliage. A shady area while gathering the cutting to direct sunlight since the foliage separating the stems and roots groundcover perennial. Native from Africa to Asia and the Pacific Islands and discard the leaves are usually rounded green! With short silver hairs under the shade of trees the soil to fully dry before watering again a border filler...