Variegated Leaf

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lamiaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Plectranthus

Species

coleoides

Description

Herbaceous plant native to South Africa, belonging to the Lamiaceae family also known as the Mint Family including ornamentals such as Agastache and Coleus, and aromatics such as lavender, lemon balm, mint and rosemary. Rustic, compact and with a drooping habit, it develops variegated decorative foliage that exudes, as indicated by its common name 'Incense Plant', an intense fragrance repellent to annoying insects such as mosquitoes. It is suitable in planters, tubs, baskets and hanging baskets for terraces, balconies or window sills, also in compositions with ornamental flowering species; furthermore, its semi-descending habit allows it to be used in flowerbeds, preferably in half-shade.

Varietal description

Plectranthus, better known by the name 'incense' due to the intense fragrance of its leaves, is often used on balconies and windowsills as an arrangement plant together with other flowering plants. More recently, it is also being used in flowerbeds as a semi-dwarf structure plant. It is a very hardy species and can grow anywhere from sun to shade, changing the shape of its foliage according to the brightness and the hours of direct sun it gets; very compact (sometimes too much so) hard and light in full sun and with long, more supple branches in dark shade. It does not have great water requirements and is therefore easy to maintain.

curiosity and special features

The genus name, Plectranthus, is derived from the Greek words plectron meaning spur and anthos meaning flower in reference to the shape of the flowers of some members.

The leaves of the coleoides species contain chemicals that keep mosquitoes away, and some varieties are also used in Ayurvedic medicine as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.

Origin and Diffusion

The Genus Plectranthus comprises about 85 annual or perennial Species from Africa, Madagascar, Asia and the Pacific Islands, often cultivated for their ornamental and attractive foliage. Species coleoides is native to eastern Australia and New Zealand, now widespread in all temperate areas.

Flower size

The flower individually is medium in size, clustered in larger inflorescences. It is the foliage that lends ornamental value to the variety being a plant with decorative leaves.

Leaf

The leaf has an oval tomentose lamina and an intense fragrance as it contains essential oils repellent to nuisance insects such as mosquitoes.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence raceme or cluster.

Leaf color

Variegated leaf, very decorative.

Plant height

Plant height varies between 0.3 and 0.8 m depending on the Plant habit developed.

Lifespan

Mainly cultivated as an annual plant since, with the onset of low winter temperatures, it may not resist if left outside unprotected.

Suggested planting locations

Appreciated by professionals and hobbyists at all levels of experience to decorate spaces such as balconies, terraces, outdoor tubs, planters Also suitable in flowerbeds where it assumes a semi-crisp plant habit.

Stem/stem

Herbaceous, semi-woody stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

Flower is simple and Medium in shape, with plain petals. It is arranged in small raceme or cluster inflorescences. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Medium to vigorous Growth.

Plant habit

Plant habit, ideal for planters, tubs and balconies; in flowerbeds it is used as a very decorative semi-crawling structure plant.

branching

Theabundant branching gives the plant a well-tended, leaf-rich appearance.

pH

It prefers soils/mediums with a slightly acidic pH value between 5.5 and 6.5.

soil preparation

Prior to spring transplanting into a flower bed, which should be evaluated in relation to the thermal requirements of the plant, carry out a surface spading removing any weeds, stones and bulky pebbles. Also add professional-quality substrate to the surface by approx. 5/10 cm and carefully level out.

sun exposure

It develops well if exposed in half shade, light shade, full sun but above 300 m above sea level.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 4 and 32 °C. The ideal temperature is between 20 and 24 °C; suitable for temperate climates.

Use

Due to the ornamental value of the variegated foliage and its rusticity, it is mainly used in

Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design

Hardiness

Highly rustic variety; does not have high water requirements.

Soil/medium

Suggested planting locations for pots, tubs and planters are a light, well-draining spring planting medium of peat and perlite. In flowerbeds, the soil should be medium textured soil or tending to sandy, Amended and with a slightly acid pH.

Maintenance

Cultivation is extremely easy with an overall low level of management effort.

cultivation tips

Here are some useful cultivation tips specific to the variety:

Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures

Composition

Because of its elegant foliage it is perfect in Composition with other ornamentals such as Bidens ferulifolium, Calibrachoa, Ipomea x hybrida, Pelargonium peltatum, Pelargonium x hybrida, Pelargonium x hortorum.

planting

We recommend an average density of 13 plants per square metre for transplanting into a flower bed in order to obtain a balanced development and, consequently, a well-proportioned composition. We suggest placing each seedling in a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding completely sinking the lumps, which must be well moistened; finally, water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Reproduction/Propagation

Medium cutting.

Irrigation

It does not have great water requirements, watering can be done with rainwater, or alternatively from aqueducts or canals, taking care to allow the soil or substrate to dry slightly between the various interventions, avoiding water stagnation which can cause fungal diseases and root rot. It is also advisable not to water the aerial part of the plant during the late afternoon or evening to prevent the development of phytopathologies.

Fertilization

During the spring-summer period, following proper establishment in the new planting site, regularly apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for ornamental species to the substrate or soil at the foot of the plant, to be distributed in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Pet friendly

Toxicity to pets not known; do not administer.

Edibility for humans

Ornamental, non-edible species.

Human toxicity

Non-poisonous, however avoid ingestion.

advise 1

The conformation and colour of the foliage depends on the brightness of the chosen location. It lends itself well in arrangements with flowering plants, such as begonias, in shaded areas where the branches are longer and strongly drooping. In brighter locations it can stand next to geraniums, especially ivy or Parisian types. In areas above 300 m. Of altitude and in the mountains it gives the best results combined with any type of flowering plant such as surfinias, toptunias, calibrachoa, Parisian geranium.