Scientific Name
Plectranthus prostratus Gürke
Common Name(s)
Pillow Plant, String of Pillows, Succulent Swedish Ivy, Tangled Hearts
Scientific Classification
Family: Lamiaceae
Subfamily: Nepetoideae
Tribe: Ocimeae
Genus: Plectranthus
Description
Plectranthus prostratus is a small succulent with creeping, much-branched stems that bear small, thick, lime green leaves with lines of purple form on leaf edges if grown in bright light. It grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall, forming a mat of foliage. The stems root at the nodes.
The flowers are small white with a hint of violet and appear in leaf axils.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 7b to 10a: from 5 °F (−15 °C) to 35 °F (+1.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
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 enjoy adequate water, but they store water in their stems and resist prolonged periods of drought. Plectranthus 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, 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 woodier at the base and are more resistant to frost damage.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Plectranthus.
Origin
Plectranthus prostratus is native to South Africa.
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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