Recommended Plectranthus (see left)
1 Plectranthus ciliatus ‘Nico’ A plant that looks as good tumbling over the edge of a pot as it does covering the ground. The reverse of the leaves are a dusky purple. It will grow to about 20cm tall but spread as far as 50cm wide. 20cm. USDA 10a-11†.
2 P. hadiensis A vigorous, drought-tolerant species that has rounded leaves that are crimped at the edges. The base of the flower stems are dusky purple, which contrasts with the pale-mauve flowers. Grows to about 70cm tall.
3 P. ‘Marble Ruffles’ A cultivar of Plectranthus amboinicus with a buttery-yellow variegation and leaves with scalloped edges, this is a vigorous, plant that can spread up to 1m wide. 20cm. USDA 9a-11.
4 P. fruticosus ‘Behr’s Pride’ An upright plant with olive-green leaves that have a purple-hued underside. The flowers of this cultivar are a deep pink. 1m. USDA 10a-11.
5 P. verticillatus ‘Pink Surprise’ A trailing and rambling plant with bright glossy leaves that contrast with the dark stems. The flowers are, unsurprisingly, pale pink. 70cm. USDA 10a-11.
6 P. argentatus ‘Silver Shield’ With its velvety, silver leaves that have a slight purple sheen, this always feels a luxurious plant. Grows to about tall and spreads about generously. 60cm. RHS H1C, USDA 10a-11.
7 P. argentatus ‘Hill House’ A sport of the species that appeared at Hill House nursery about 20 years ago. The cream variegation around the leaf edge is most pronounced on young plants, raised from cuttings. 50cm. RHS H1C, USDA 10a-11.
8 P. montanus ‘Werner Rauh’ Named after the botanist who collected it in Kenya, this unusual cultivar has thick stems packed with downy leaves that have a pungent scent. 30cm.
9 P. saccatus subsp. pondoensis The purple stems of semi-succulent leaves have a tendency to wander about, popping up among other plants. Spreads up to 80cm.
10 P. venteri
A species discovered just 20 years ago that is already appearing in nurseries. The foliage resembles miniature maple leaves. 50cm.
11 P. madagascariensis ‘Lothlorien’
A prostrate form with stiff stems that are packed with polished leaves. The variegation is a contrasting apple and emerald green.
12 P. zuluensis ‘Sky’
Despite looking delicate, this is a tough plant that will flourish in shade. The lavender flowers appear in late summer and autumn. 60cm. USDA 10a-11.
13 P. oertendahlii
A naturally variegated species with slightly succulent leaves. The stems will quickly root wherever they touch the soil. 20cm. AGM. RHS H1C, USDA 10a-11.