Strobilanthes nutans
nodding conehead
A spreading perennial to around 30cm high, with trailing to ascending, hairy stems that root at the nodes, and oval-shaped, hairy green leaves with serrated edges. Pendent clusters of white flowers are produced in late summer and early autumn, initially overlapping like a pine cone before opening to long tubular flowers flared at the tips
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Trailing
- Genus
Strobilanthes can be evergreen or herbaceous perennials or subshrubs with simple, opposite leaves and spikes, cone-like clusters or loose panicles of tubular or funnel-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Nepal
How to grow
Cultivation
In mild, frost free areas, grow outside in fertile, well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer, in part or full shade. In colder areas, grow in loam-based compost in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C in spring, or by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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