Grandiflora
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Spilanthes oleracea
Plant Common Name
Eyeball Plant, Peek -A- Boo Plant
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Imagine a daisy flower that lacks petals. By itself, that central rounded flower disc looks like an eyeball. The peek-a-boo plant's flower is yellow with a large central area of bronzy sienna, looking like an alien eyeball glaring back at you. Native to South America, this tender perennial is most often grown as an annual that is killed by summer drought or winter cold.
The dark green leaves are shaped like triangles, with deep veins to make the leaf look crinkled. Hints of burgundy or bronze overtones make the dark green more visually intriguing. Stem tips on this sprawling mound of foliage bear flowers anytime warmth and sunshine is abundant.
A pretty but odd flowering plant, grow peak-a-boo plant in the annual flower bed or as part of a mixed container or hanging basket composition. Full to partial sun promotes good flowering, and any moist but well-drained fertile soil sustains good plant growth. Leaves taste of pepper and may be sparsely added to fresh salads. Chewing larger quantities of leaves can numb the mouth tissues, making it an inexpensive way to alleviate any toothache discomfort.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Spreading
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edible, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Herb / Vegetable, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
