My favourite plant of the week is this gem that we got from Hampton Court Flower Show last month from the Trewidden stand. While I was busy scrutinising the succulents and proteas they had on offer, Gaz zoomed in on this one amongst the other plants on the table and the decision was made right then and there that it will go home with us. They only bought one plant with them for the show and we were fortunate enough to be there early and at the right time too to grab it before anyone else could.
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| Plectranthus oertendahlii |
I just love the way it looks with its dark green leaves contrasting with its purple undersides and its velvet like texture!
This evergreen perennial is apparently easy to propagate by cuttings so we'll definitely do that to increase our stocks as well as to ensure we have some back ups.
I've been reading conflicting aspect reports on this plant, with some sources saying it requires full sun while others say it tolerates full shade. Perhaps they are that adaptable? Personally I'd say they do well in a bright location with some sun to partial shade. Perhaps full sun too if it's not allowed to dry out. It is not hardy in our location and can only tolerate light frosts if left outside but they seem easy enough to overwinter indoors or in a greenhouse gently heated to keep it just above freezing.
Because of this plant I've started to explore its genus even further and there are some other nice ones out there too. Perhaps this one will lead to more Plectranthus in our garden in the future.
We join Loree of Danger Garden in celebrating our favourite plant of the week!
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
That is a beauty! Plectranthus has some really nice species and cultivars. All annuals here, but easy enough to take cuttings to overwinter. Nice staging for the photos too! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Alan! I also took note of the Plectranthus you featured in your blog, that's a beauty too!
DeleteOoh, purple-y stems with those green leaves and a pot to complement the color. I grew Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender' for a while but it is a challenge to overwinter. Nice choice from the show.
ReplyDeleteOhh I'll have to keep an eye on that Plectranthus too Shirley!
DeleteI love all Plectranthus. This looks similar to my P. ciliatus 'Zule Warrior,' although the leaves on your plant appear heftier.
ReplyDeleteI like the Plectranthus you just mentioned Kris, will keep an eye for that one!
DeleteThe flowers are pretty as well. In your climate it could take a little sun, I think.
ReplyDeleteMore likely Gail, as it doesn't get that hot here compared to there :)
DeleteIs it wrong that I kept focusing on that crazy skull candle holder hoping that you's share more of it? It's so wonderful! Of course so is the plectranthus...
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the skull candle holder Loree, will take pics of it this weekend :)
DeleteLove it ! fantastic purple undersides !
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that Jane :)
DeleteBeautiful foliage. Wonder how many people you devastated by being first on the scene?!
ReplyDeleteNone perhaps Janet, as they wouldn't have known what was there before they came :))
DeleteI can see why you snapped it up. Love that plant. Everything about it is really cool, well except it would not be hardy here. :) It looks really good in the container you chose for it. It will be interesting to see if you end up with more.
ReplyDeleteCher
I think it'll make for a good houseplant during the winter Cher :)
DeleteThat is truly a great plant and will get enormous over time. love it
ReplyDeleteLots of cutting material Deanne!
DeleteThe conservatory I managed in college had a huge specimen of this. I had to shear it several times a year to keep it from overtaking the other plants on the shelf it grew on. Nice plant, as long as you have the space or keep it tamed. Seemed to like the slightly diffuse sun in the greenhouse with afternoon shade. The walls were mostly clear but were corrugated, scattering the light jus a little.
ReplyDeleteThat's fascinating to hear Evan :) It won't be a problem giving it a trim when it gets to that stage (which we hope it will). And lighting condition in the greenhouse gives a lot of clue on its light requirement.
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