Dicliptera sericea

RHS Plant Profile

King's crown

Synonyms

Jacobinia suberecta
Justicia suberecta
Dicliptera suberecta
Barleria suberecta

Herbaceous Perennial

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A semi-evergreen perennial with erect to arching stems bearing silvery-grey to greenish, velvety, oval leaves. From summer intoearly autumn, two-lipped,tubular, orange-red flowers areborne in upright clusters

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 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: 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
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Acanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Dicliptera can be annuals, perennials, sub-shrubs or climbers, with simple, opposite leaves and 2-lipped, tubular flowers borne in axillary or terminal clusters, often with colourful bracts
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Uruguay

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sunny position in a well drained, fertile soil; will tolerate partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established

Propagation

Propagate by seed or from semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Mediterranean climate plants
Wall side borders
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Trim back after flowering if required to keep plant from becoming straggly

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free