Find a plant:

OR Browse All Plants


Genus Plectranthus

Plectranthus Plectrantus amboinicus Photo/Illustration: Jenkins Farmer
plek-TRAN-thus
Grown for foliage and flowers, Plectranthus is a genus of about 350 species of annuals, evergreen perennials, semi-succulents, and shrubs from Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australasia, and Pacific islands. They are useful in a cool greenhouse or conservatory or outdoors in hanging baskets, containers, or sunny borders. The foliage is often ornamental, with decorative margins and a fuzzy appearance. The flowers are small but are often borne in good-size racemes of tubular, 2-lipped flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, or blue. Plectranthus are part of the mint family and closely related to Solenostemon (coleus).
 Noteworthy characteristics: Many species are fast-growing. Attractive, aromatic, soft foliage which often has scalloped, toothed or wavy edges. 
 Care: Plectranthus needs well-drained soil of moderate fertility in dappled shade. If grown indoors, provide full light but with protection from hot sun. Water freely and fertilize monthly during active growth, but keep just moist in winter.
 Propagation: Divide in spring, or take stem-tip cuttings any time. Rooted branches of trailing species can be removed. To grow from seed, sow ripe seed at 66° to 75°F.
 Problems: Mealybugs, spider mites, leaf spots, and root rot can sometimes be problems.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Plectranthus

Plectranthus amboinicus Plectranthus amboinicus
(Mexican mint, Indian borage) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Prized largely for its foliage, this spreading evergreen perennial is grown as an annual or under glass.
Plectranthus argentatus Plectranthus argentatus
(Silver spurflower) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Grown mainly for its velvety gray succulent leaves, this Australian native shrub can reach 3 feet high and wide.
Plectranthus forsteri 'Green on Green' Plectranthus forsteri 'Green on Green'
(Swedish ivy) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

As the name implies, this plectranthus has green leaves with lime green edges. Some of the leaves are entirely lime green. It looks great mingling around the feet of perennials, shrubs, and annuals.
Plectranthus purpuratus Plectranthus purpuratus
(Purple Swedish ivy, Vick's plant) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Soft, fuzzy, purple-tinged leaves make this Plectranthus a good companion plant in containers.