Plectranthus hail from warm temperate to tropical areas of the
world and grow in shadier parts of the garden under trees in very
ordinary soil where many plants do not thrive. They grow quickly and are
tolerant of drought and root-competition.
This variegated form of Plectranthus forsteri, which has the
cultivar name of 'Marginatus', is a semi-trailing plant, growing to 25cm
tall and over a metre wide. Its scalloped-edged leaves are nicely
variegated with creamy-white margins. It has spires of pale mauve or
white flowers in autumn. It will grow in the most uncongenial shady
places and can form a dense carpet under trees or shrubs, and brings
light into gloomy areas. It is effective when planted nearby white
autumn flowers so that its leaves can echo their colour - for example, Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka' or white-bloomed shrub and cane Begonia or Justicia carnea.
The stems should be cut back fairly hard after flowering (or in
early spring in cooler areas if there is the risk of frosts). The plant
dislikes hard frosts, but if grown under a canopy of trees, will
usually be well protected from milder frosts. It enjoys being mulched
and fed occasionally but is really a plant that will grow despite being
neglected! It is very easily propagated from cuttings in spring and
autumn. All Plectranthus need to be replaced by new cuttings every so often as they get a bit straggly after a few years.
If you are interesting in knowing much more about this kind of plant, you can visit: helping to become a more succesful gardener, where you will find enough information to have a wonderful garden.
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