Scientific Name
Coleus prostratus (Gürke) A.J.Paton
Synonym(s)
Plectranthus prostratus
Common Name(s)
Pillow Plant, String of Pillows, Succulent Swedish Ivy, Tangled Hearts
Scientific Classification
Family: Lamiaceae
Subfamily: Nepetoideae
Tribe: Ocimeae
Subtribe: Plectranthinae
Genus: Coleus
Etymology
The specific epithet "prostratus" (pronounced "prost-RAY-tus") means "prostrate; lying flat on the ground" and refers to the growth habit of the species, in which the stems grow flat along the ground.
Origin
Coleus prostratus is native to South Africa.
Description
Coleus prostratus, formerly known as Plectranthus prostratus, is a small succulent with much-branched stems that bear small, thick, lime green leaves with toothed margins. The creeping stems, which root at the nodes, form dense mats about 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The leaves develop distinctive purple lines or burgundy patterns on the edges when exposed to bright light.
The small flowers are white with a hint of violet and appear in leaf axils.
How to Grow and Care for Coleus prostratus
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 7b to 10a: from 5°F (-15°C) to 35°F (1.7°C).
Plectranthus are easily cultivated and require little extra attention or special treatment. They enjoy well-composted soil and, as a rule, thrive in semi-shade or cool positions on the south-facing aspects. Thus, they are ideally suited to growth under the shade of trees. They are generally shallow-rooted and require adequate water, but they store water in their stems and resist prolonged drought. Plectranthus are often grown for their attractive foliage, flowers, or both, and vary in growth form from dense, prostrate ground covers to subshrubs and large shrubs.
Although they are frost-tender, they are usually grown in shady, protected places and, as such, are afforded some protection from frost. Because they all flower at the end of the growing season, frost does not affect flowering. If the plants are affected by frost, they can be cut back at the end of winter and grow rapidly. Once the plants have been established for a year or more, they become woody at the base and are more resistant to frost damage.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Plectranthus.
Links
- Back to genus Coleus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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