An
annual in north
Light: Plant in filtered sun to shade.
Water needs: Prefers a moist soil. In-ground plantings grow best with
twice-a-week waterings; container plantings often
need daily waterings during hot, dry weather.
Feedings: Fertilize in-ground plantings every six to eight weeks with a
general garden plant food; feed container plantings every other week with a
houseplant product or use a slow-release fertilizer at the label rate.
Propagation: Start plants from cuttings.
Ease of culture: Easy.
Hardiness: Tender; damaged by frosts and freezes.
Major
problems: Check for mealybugs and mites that are
common plectranthus problems. Control with soap or
oil sprays as needed. May also be damaged by chewing insects, but controls are
seldom needed.
Pruning: 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.
Use: 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. More
than 6-inch-long spikes of lavender blossoms open throughout the growing
season.