Plectranthus fruticosus

RHS Plant Profile

forest spurflower

Synonyms

Plectranthus behrii

Conservatory Greenhouse Shrubs

An evergreen, shrub to around 200cm, with aromatic toothed and veined green foliage and upright spikes of small, tubular, two-lipped purple flowers appearing from June to August. Can be grown in a large container in the summer but will require frost protection

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or South–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: Bushy
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: Mozambique to S Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in full sun but does well in partial shade and can be planted outside after risk of frost has passed

Propagation

Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Sub-tropical
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Deadhead spent racemes to promote flowering. To maintain compact, bushy growth prune established plants back by up to one-third at the end of winter before new spring growth begins`

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free