Plectranthus ernstii

RHS Plant Profile

bonsai spurflower

RHS / Joanna Kossak

Synonyms

Plectranthus 'Jan Jaas Veldia'
Plectranthus 'Van Jaas Veldia'

Houseplants Conservatory Greenhouse

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A compact, frost-tender, semi-succulent to 25cm tall with swollen, jointed stems up to 5cm in diameter at the base. Aromatic, semi-succulent leaves are ovate to triangular with rounded teeth and are slightly hairy. Flower spikes up to 12cm long bear small, two-lipped, pale lilac to whitish flowers with darker markings in summer

Position

Full sun, 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: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or East–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
Drought Resistance: Yes

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: E South Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; may be moved outside after risk of frost has passed

Propagation

Propagate by seed or from stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Gravel garden
Patio and container plants
Rock garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rots if over-watered