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Planting Plectranthus Mona Lavender

plant plectranthus mona lavender

We've decided to grow a little hedge of these plectranthus along our window in our new outdoor garden. The garden bed receives no sun at all and so it's been a challenge to find plants that can grow well under these conditions.

So far we have planted some azaleas, jacobinias, hydrangeas, hellebores, native violets, fuschias and a "Yuletide" camellia. We are still trying to track down a yellow vireya rhododendron but we needed another darker flower colour and the foliage of the plectranthus will complement the other plants as well.

Plectranthus Mona Lavender isn't a big plant growing to only 80cm (31in) in height and spreading about 60cm (23in) in width. They prefer part to full shade and struggle in areas that leave the exposed to the elements. Most plectranthus species are known to spread but the Mona Lavender (which is not a lavender at all) forms a neat little shrub with an upright, erect habit.

It will flower from late summer through autumn but even when it's not in full display the deep green leaves and underside purple foliage make it incredibly attractive. I always prefer plants that have more than one benefit because they have more appeal all year round.

The can be propagated from softwood cuttings and this is best to do prior to flowering. Maintain its neat shape by light pruning after flowering and fertilise with a slow release fertiliser during spring.





Posted by Stuart on June 16, 2006 5:53 AM | | Check to Subscribe to this Comment:


Comments

Plectranthus (and there are many varieties) are beautiful, except when you've had several (or even one) -7ยบ frosts. Fortunately, they strike so readily and quickly that I can usually manage to keep a supply ready to replace the casualties. Of course, that is not going to be a problem for you - frosts, I mean.

Posted by: Alice | June 16, 2006 3:34 PM

Good point Alice. That would certainly be a downfall of this plant.

We did have some frost on the ground yesterday morning but nowhere near as heavy as yours.

I've enjoyed a couple of Canberra's frosty mornings and ours are nothing in comparison.

Posted by: Stu | June 17, 2006 6:21 AM

We have bought 2 Plectranthus Mona Lavender plants. We have them indoors as the weather is getting colder. The leaves are starting to fall off. My husband did spray them with bug spray since they had been outside for a few days. They are getting plenty of water. Why are the leaves falling off? Should we put them back outside since there hasnt been any frost? I really don't know what to do. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Also, the other plants are not losing their leaves.

Posted by: Lori | September 26, 2006 12:19 AM

Lori - plectranthus aren't big lovers of cold weather so this may be one of your problems. Wintering them indoors in a location with lot of filtered light will do your plant a world of good.

The only other reason that you may be losing leaves is due to overwatering. Many plants shed their leaves as a sign of too much water. I'm not sure this is the case for you but if it is then let it dry out for a few days before slowly moistening again.

Posted by: Stuart | September 26, 2006 6:03 AM

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