Scientific Name
Plectranthus neochilus 'Mike's Fuzzy Wuzzy'
Common Name(s)
Variegated Lobster Flower
Synonym(s)
Plectranthus neochilus 'Mike's Fuzzy'
Scientific Classification
Family: Lamiaceae
Subfamily: Nepetoideae
Tribe: Ocimeae
Genus: Plectranthus
Description
Plectranthus neochilus 'Mike's Fuzzy Wuzzy' is an aromatic succulent plant that grows as a ground-hugging mat up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall. This plant makes an attractive ground cover when not in flower and is spectacular when flowering. It has rounded, slightly scalloped, gray-green leaves and deep blue and purple flowers. The flowers rise to 6 inches (15 cm) above the foliage from spring through late fall to nearly year-round.
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. Thus, these plants are ideally suited to grow under the shade of trees. They are generally shallow rooted and enjoy adequate water, but Plectranthus store water in their stems and resist 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. 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 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Plectranthus.
Origin
This succulent is a variegated cultivar of Plectranthus neochilus.
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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