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Plectranthus amboinicus 'Variegatus'

Image of Plectranthus amboinicus 'Variegatus'

TL

Family

Lamiaceae

Botanical Name

Plectranthus amboinicus 'Variegatus'

Plant Common Name

Country Borage, Succulent Spurflower

General Description

The irregular, bright creamy white edges of this succulent tender perennial mint really stand out in hot, summer gardens and containers. Plectranthus amboinicus, is native to southeastern Africa where it withstands high heat and considerable drought. A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), it is favored as both a culinary herb and an attractive ornamental. The leaves have a strong, oregano-like flavor and are commonly added fresh or dried to flavor stews, poultry or red meat. The soft, gray-green plants have a spreading habit and are excellent for container culture and rock gardens.

Succulent branched stems are lined with large, fleshy round gray-green leaves with creamy white, scalloped edges and a hairy surface texture. These are evergreen in frost-free climates and have a strong herbal smell when crushed. Tall, loose spikes of tubular, two-lipped, lavender-pink or white flowers appear in summer. These are visited by bees and butterflies and are followed by inconspicuous brown fruits. Deadheading will extend blooming.

Full sun and average to poor, well-drained soil is preferred. Once established, this spurflower will tolerate considerable drought. Cool, wet winters can quickly kill Plectranthus, especially if soil drainage is not perfect. This tough succulent is ideal for planting along stone retaining walls, in rock gardens and containers. Established plants need light water so pair with other succulents that have similar cultural requirements. This tender plant can be grown anywhere as an annual.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Cactus or Succulent

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m

  • Width

    2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    Eastern Africa, Southern Africa

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Spreading

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Pink, Lavender

  • Fruit Color

    Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    White, Light Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    White, Light Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    White, Light Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Light Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Edible, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Herb / Vegetable, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes