Scientific Name
Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosus (Benth.) Codd
Accepted Scientific Name
Plectranthus hadiensis (Forssk.) Schweinf. ex Sprenger
Common Name(s)
Vicks Plant, Succulent Coleus, Cuban Oregano
Synonym(s)
Plectranthus tomentosus, Plectranthus zatarhendii var. tomentosus
Scientific Classification
Family: Lamiaceae
Subfamily: Nepetoideae
Tribe: Ocimeae
Genus: Plectranthus
Description
Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosus, also known as Plectranthus tomentosus, is a semi-succulent subshrub with aromatic leaves. It grows up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall and spreads to 2.5 feet (75 cm) in diameter. The lower stems can become very woody with age. Leaves are opposite, light green, broadly ovate with scalloped margins, and densely covered with short hairs. Flowers are white to pale purple and appear in early spring and again in the fall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Plectranthus species 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 south-facing aspects. These plants are ideally suited to grow under the shade of trees. They are generally shallow rooted and enjoy adequate water. However, Plectranthus do store water in their stems and are resistant to prolonged periods of drought.
These plants are often grown for their attractive foliage, flowers, or both and vary in their growth forms from dense prostrate ground covers to sub-shrubs and large shrubs.
Although they are frost tender Plectranthus are usually grown in shady, protected places and, as such, are afforded some protection from frost. Frost does not affect flowering because they flower at the end of the growing season. If the plants are affected by frost, they can be cut back at the end of winter and will grow out rapidly. Once the plants have been established for a year or more, they become woodier at the base and are more resistant to frost damage.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Plectranthus.
Origin
This plant is native to South Africa. It is not accepted as a variety and it is treated as a synonym of Plectranthus hadiensis.
Links
- Back to genus Plectranthus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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