Plectranthus oertendahlii

RHS Plant Profile
Brazilian coleus
Brazilian coleus RHS 1999

Other common names

candle plant, prostrate coleus

Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse Herbaceous Perennial Houseplants

An evergreen perennial to 15cm in height, with trailing purple stems to 1m in length, bearing rounded-ovate, bronze-green leaves with silvery main veins and purple stalks, and erect, lax racemes of small, pale blue, 2-lipped flowers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
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
E South Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass or in a sheltered frost-free enviroment. Suitable for a hanging basket

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free