Plectranthus: Diverse Genus from Succulents to Coleus

The genus Plectranthus (Greek plectron = spur, anthos = flower) includes 24 species per GRIN, but other references cite 350+ due to reclassification. Even coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is now Plectranthus scutellarioides. All are in the Lamiaceae (mint) family, mostly native to Africa, Asia, Australia. Uses: ornamental, food, medicine, air purification, snake/mosquito repellent.

Notable Species

• P. esculentus (Livingstone potato): edible tubers.
• P. rotundifolius (Hausa potato): edible foliage and tubers—potential for food security.
• P. purpuratus (Vicks plant): smells like Vick’s VapoRub; prostrate, cascading; fuzzy purple-tipped leaves; pale purple flowers; variegated forms; groundcover in frost-free zones.
• P. parviflorus (cockspur flower): Hawaiian/Polynesian native; no scent; light green fuzzy leaves; shrub to 3 ft.
• P. neochilus (lobster flower): gray-green leaves, skunk-like aroma; ideal dry, sunny groundcover; blue-purple flowers; hardy zones 9–11; ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’ variegated.
• P. amboinicus (Cuban oregano, Spanish thyme): aromatic edible leaves (oregano+thyme flavor); pinkish-lavender flowers; thick velvety foliage; 1–3 ft; root cuttings easily; bring indoors for winter.
• P. barbatus (Indian coleus): up to 10 ft; huge fuzzy toothed leaves; electric purple-blue flower spikes; tolerates sun, drought, neglect; var. grandis has variegated form; studied for medicinal properties.
• P. oertendahlii (blue spur flower, candlestick plant): low-growing for forest floor; round succulent leaves, green top/wine-red underside; cultivars ‘Silver Stars’, ‘Royal Beauty’, ‘Limelight’ popular as houseplants.
• P. ‘Mona Lavender’: hybrid shrub 24–30 in.; dark lavender flowers spring–fall; sun = more compact, intense purple undersides; winter blooms in bright indoor spots; widely promoted.
• P. australis (Swedish ivy): glossy green quilted leaves, scalloped edges; lilac/white summer flowers; great in hanging baskets; overwinters in zone 8b protected spots.
• Coleus (P. scutellarioides): the largest, best-known group; endless colors, sizes, forms from recent hybridization.

Care and Propagation

Most propagate easily from cuttings. Restart occasionally to prevent straggliness. Pinch for bushiness. Nematodes love their roots—moving cuttings to new spots rejuvenates declining plants. Container-friendly and adaptable, there’s a Plectranthus for almost any garden situation.

Thanks to Dave’s Garden contributors: Kim_M, Happenstance, Buffy 690, Chinabit, Atisch, Kel, Kennedy H.