Coleus scutellarioides, Solenostemon scutellarioides, Plectranthus scutellarioides, Coleus blumei verschaffeltii

This is a very reliable and predictable coleus that doesn't "drift". Growth Habit: Upright. Mature Height: 2 to 3 feet. Colorful Spring to Fall. Recommended Light: Full sun to light shade. This plant has an improved tolerance to high light intensities and a higher heat tolerance than most Coleus. Foliage is a very attractive and it keeps its color throughout the season. A great plant for foliage color.

Plectranthus argentatus

Bushy or semi-trailing perennial. This plant makes an impressive specimen with large felted silvery leaves and candelabras of blue coleus-like flowers.

Plectranthus australis

Round leaves with scalloped edges; fleshy square stems with opposite leaves; spikes of flowers. Plectranthus australis grows quickly and easily from cuttings. Keep soil slightly damp; prefers bright filtered light; pinch frequently to maintain full habit.

Plectranthus coleoides

A vigorous trailing plant has elegant, fountain-like branches with attractive dark green 2" leaves with white scalloped edges. Together they made an exciting combination that performed until hard frost. Propagation: Stem cuttings, in spring/summer. Problems: Sensitive to direct sunlight.

Plectranthus ecklonii

It is a soft, erect, fast growing shrub to 3 metres tall. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs on the square stems, the latter with tufts of purplish hairs along the nodes. The ovate to ellilptical leaves are fairly large bearing a wedge shaped base and acute apex. The inflorescence is a terminal panicle. The two-lipped corolla that is long, bluish-purple, rarely pink or white with a straight tube. Plants flower from March to May with a peak in April. The plant has small nutlets which are black or dark brown. P. ecklonii has a wide distribution from Somerset east in the Eastern Cape to Barberton in Mpumalanga. It is confined to moist coastal subtropical and afrotemperate Forest and forest margins. Rainfall is mainly during summer. Growing Plectranthus ecklonii In the garden Plectranthus ecklonii is an attractive and popular garden subject. Mass planting of the blue, white and pink cultivars are very striking. P. ecklonii is best grown in partial shade. It is recommended for gardens where frost is not too severe. In colder climates it can be grown as a container house plant indoors. P. ecklonii is a fast growing pioneer shrub and very suited for shady gardens. It will flower profusely the first season after planting. Plant about 30" apart. Prune back hard after flowering during midwinter. There are three available cultivars. P. ecklonii 'Medley-Wood' the common garden cultivar with blue flowers. P. ecklonii 'Tommy', with white flowers. P. ecklonii 'Erma', with pink flowers. P. ecklonii is easily propagated from cuttings or seed. Cuttings can be planted like perennial grass 'in situ'. Cuttings should be about 7"/10" long, with the top leaves kept. Keep moist and rooting is rapid. Cuttings can also be rooted in sand or other appropriate cutting medium. The best time to take cuttings is spring or summer. Keep them in a shady, but well lit terrain. Seeds can be planted in a shallow standard seed tray in standard soil. Cover with a thin layer of sand and keep moist. Keep in a shady but well lit environment. Germination is rapid and the seedlings can be planted out in individual bags as soon as they are large enough to handle. By materials of the site: plantzafrica.com

See Plectranthus ecklonii 'Mona Lavender'.

Plectranthus ecklonii Mona Lavender

An evergreen perennial with numerous stems growing to a rounded plant 3 feet tall and wide. The leaves are deep green with purplish veins, slightly curled at the edges with short coarse teeth and growing to 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. More than 6-inch-long spikes of lavender blossoms. A colorful new plant for container gardens to display at entrances, on patios and as a balcony or porch display. Also use as a bedding plant for annual or perennial gardens to provide colorful fall foliage and flowers. Encourage a compact growth habit by periodically trimming the tips of new shoots. Keep plants inbounds by pruning shoots hanging over walkways and affecting nearby plantings. Remove old flower heads as the blooms decline.

Plectranthus ernstii

A well-drained soil, some water and some sun. The swollen stem grows to five centimetres in diameter and 30 centimetres high. The flowers are white with a shine of blue.

Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosus, Plectranthus tomentosus

Plectranthus tomentosus is a perennial, succulent-like herb or branched subshrubs with aromatic leaves spreading approximately 50-75 cm round. It is commonly known as the "Vicks Plant" for its leaves that smell like Vick's Vap-O-Rub or mentholatum when crushed.

Grows in savanna and dry forested regions. It is used to treat intestinal upsets. The flowers are white to light purple, and exceptionally attractive to honey bees. Give this one room, as it can spread to three of four feet across. Prune back by half every six months to reduce woodiness. Has a strong camphor aroma overlaying. Excellent in herb mixtures (usually very hard to find). Very fast growing - ideal for filling empty spots.

The plant prefers dry conditions, very drought tolerant.

Plectranthus Lois Woodhull, Plectranthus neochilus

A large plant with light green foliage and a strong medicinal, camphor scent. Discovered in South Africa by June Croon, and named in honor of her sister, noted plantswoman Lois Woodhull of Lang Island, NY. Velvety green leaves surround blue, salvia-like flower spikes. Blooms nonstop from spring through late fall.

Plectranthus nicodemus, Plectranthus forsteri

Excellent variagated, fragrant herb that is ideal in mixed containers and patio planters. Leaves are used for cooking as basil. Great in full sun to part shade. Grows 10-14" tall. Fertilize every 2 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer for best growth. Keep soil moderately moist.