Plectranthus zuluensis or Zulu spurflower

Care of the plant Plectranthus zuluensis or Zulu spurflower

The genus Plectranthus, family Lamiaceae, comprises 300 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants native to Australia, Africa, Indonesia, and India. Some species are: Plectranthus zuluensis, Plectranthus verticillatus, Plectranthus coleoides, Plectranthus ciliatus, Plectranthus caninus, Plectranthus oertendahlii, Plectranthus forsteri.

Common name: Zulu spurflower. This species is native to South Africa.

They are perennial plants with an erect bearing and velvety branches that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. The interesting thick leaves are lime green or dark green (depending on the variety), oval in shape, with a serrated, hairy margin. They produce bluish flowers that appear in terminal spikes and are tubular in shape. They bloom in summer and fall.

They are used to form low hedges, in pots for terraces or in undergrowths combined with Clivias or Crinum; in tropical or subtropical climates they combine well with Streptocarpus.

Plectranthus zuluensis prefers a semi-shaded or shaded exposure. They can be grown in full sun if the climate is humid subtropical; In Mediterranean regions it's advisable to avoid direct sun in the central hours of the day. They resist occasional frosts but it's better not to expose them to less than 7 ºC (44.6 ºF).

The soil must be well drained and contain abundant organic matter.

Water moderately at the rate of 2 times a week in summer; wait until the substrate is almost dry in spring and fall. In winter drastically reduce watering.

Fertilize every 15 days in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer.

Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance and eliminate dry branches.

They are quite resistant plants to pests and diseases; they can be attacked by fungi if there is excess watering.

They are easily propagated by cuttings in spring or early summer.