Coleus argentatus 'Silver Shield'

Synonyms

Plectranthus 'Silver Shield'
Plectranthus argentatus 'Silver Shield'

Award of Garden Merit
Bedding Conservatory Greenhouse

A tender, evergreen, sub-shrubby perennial to 60cm tall, grown for its velvety, silver foliage. In summer, slender, purple inflorescences are produced; these bear small, blue-tinted white flowers

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–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
Bushy
Genus
A genus of annual or perennial herbs or shrubs, some of which can be succulent or tuberous in nature, and one of the easiest plants to propagate. Their velvety leaves add vibrant shades of red, pink, green and purple to beds and borders, pots and containers
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free potting compost in filtered light. Water freely in growth and apply a high-nitrogen every 2 weeks. Outdoors, plant out after the last frosts into humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Pinch out young shoots and emerging flower spikes and to keep plants compact

Propagation

Propagate by cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pinch out growing tips to promote bushiness

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, glasshouse whitefly and slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free