RHS Journals

The Garden
November 2000

A new leaf

Plectranthus are perfect foliage bedding plants, but only a limited range is grown. Diana Miller and Nick Morgan report on lesser-known species growing at Wisley and assess some old favourites

Striking foliage is the main attraction of ever-green, tender Plectranthus. It ranges from sage-like to mint-like, succulent to textured; some species resemble nettles and others tiny oreganos. Colouring may be grey and downy or brightly variegated and
the leaves are often aromatic (although some smell unpleasant). They are small herbaceous or shrubby plants that are useful as a foil to bright flowers in summer bedding, in a patio or conservatory, or grown as a house plant. Attractive, spike-like flowers are produced in pink, purple, blue or white, usually between late summer and winter.

Left: Trailing species of Plectranthus such as P. hadiensis var. tomentosus can look spectacular when cascading from a hanging basket in a cool, well-lit conservatory or glasshouse, where their showy plumes of flower are especially welcome through early autumn. (Photograph copyright Tim Sandall)

Until recently, only a few species of this underrated genus were cultivated as ornamental foliage house plants in Europe and North America. Plectranthus verticillatus, from the eastern region of southern Africa, has been grown for many years in hanging baskets for its trailing stems with bright green, glossy, rounded, slightly succulent leaves. It is commonly known as Swedish ivy (and is also incorrectly known as Plectranthus australis and P. parviflorus).

Also grown as Swedish ivy is P. oertendahlii, which has a similar habit but is distinguished by the white veins on the upper side of the hairy, grey-green leaves. In Kwa Zulu/Natal, its native home, plants have been found where white coloration extends over the whole leaf surface. This may prove to be an exciting new plant if introduced into Europe.

Another old favourite is trailing P. madagascariensis ‘Variegated Mintleaf’ which has small, white-edged aromatic leaves. In the right conditions this plant can produce stems hanging to 3m (10ft) with clusters of small, white flowers in the leaf axils.

Diana Miller is Keeper of the RHS Herbarium at Wisley
Nick Morgan is Superintendent of the Glasshouses, Wisley

Results from the glasshouse
Use in the garden
Cultivation
Propagation

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