Speckled Spur Flower
(Plectranthus ciliatus)
Speckled Spur Flower (Plectranthus ciliatus)
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Murray NZ
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Murray NZ
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Murray NZ | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Murray NZ | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-03-21T10:00:45-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Plectranthus ciliatus, commonly known as Speckled Spur Flower, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the forest edges and shaded streambanks of Southern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters). The plant features soft, hairy leaves with serrated edges and a distinctive purplish hue on the undersides. The Speckled Spur Flower blooms in summer and fall, producing spikes of tubular purple flowers that are moderately showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Plectranthus ciliatus is valued for its attractive foliage, which resembles that of Coleus, and its ability to thrive in a variety of light conditions, making it suitable for both sunny and partially shaded areas of the garden. It is often used as ground cover, in hanging baskets, or as a border plant. This species prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate periods of drought once established. It is generally easy to maintain, requiring only occasional pruning to keep its shape. ’Easy Gold’, a popular cultivar, has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental appeal. However, gardeners should be aware that Plectranthus ciliatus can become invasive in some regions outside its native range, and it may be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites in hot, dry conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plectranthus ciliatus is valued for its attractive foliage, which resembles that of Coleus, and its ability to thrive in a variety of light conditions, making it suitable for both sunny and partially shaded areas of the garden. It is often used as ground cover, in hanging baskets, or as a border plant. This species prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate periods of drought once established. It is generally easy to maintain, requiring only occasional pruning to keep its shape. ’Easy Gold’, a popular cultivar, has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental appeal. However, gardeners should be aware that Plectranthus ciliatus can become invasive in some regions outside its native range, and it may be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites in hot, dry conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Forest edges and shaded streambanks of Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Indian Borage, Speckled Spur Flower, Blue Spur Flower, Candlestick Plant
Scientific Names: , Plectranthus ciliatus, Plectranthus natalensis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Plectranthus ciliatus E.Mey.