Plectranthus ambiguus

RHS Plant Profile
pincushion spurflower

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Bedding Conservatory Greenhouse

An evergreen perennial with with aromatic toothed and veined hairy green foliage and upright spikes of small, tubular, two-lipped pink-purple flowers appearing in early autumn. Good for ground cover in shady areas

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Plectranthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs, with opposite, ovate or heart-shaped, sometimes fleshy leaves, and 2-lipped, tubular flowers borne in whorls forming spikes or panicles
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Southern Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in eat-free, loam-based potting compost with added organic matter in filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water freely in growth and apply a balanced liquid feed monthly

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free