Also known as Spurflower · 30 saves
Plectranthus
Plectranthus, the genus most gardeners know as spurflower. We track 12 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Plectranthus varieties
Browse all 12 Plectranthus varieties →
5 species of Plectranthus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Plectranthus in Sow
Save the Plectranthus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Plectranthus
Whats common across all Plectranthus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 12 most-grown of them.
The Plectranthus year
- FertilizeJune–September92% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, especially for container plants
- PropagateJune–September92% of varieties
Take stem cuttings to root indoors for overwintering
- Pinch TipsJune–August83% of varieties
Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage dense, bushy growth
- PlantMay and June58% of varieties
Plant transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- Winter PrepOctober and November42% of varieties
Bring container plants indoors before the first hard frost to overwinter.
- DeadheadJuly–September33% of varieties
Remove small blue flower spikes immediately to maintain foliage vigor
Do
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry 🌱
- Pinch back stems to promote fullness
- Feed monthly during active growth
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight 🌞
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight in hot climates
- Do not forget to prune dead or damaged leaves
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh midday sun in hot climates
What goes wrong with Plectranthus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Whiteflies | White flying insects and yellowing leaves | Use yellow sticky traps and insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil or wipe with alcohol-soaked cotton |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves and soft, decayed roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering; repot if necessary |
Making more Plectranthus
Cuttings
- Select healthy, non-flowering stems
- Cut 4-6 inch segments with clean scissors
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil or water
- Keep in bright, indirect light for 4-6 weeks
Stem cuttings
- Select healthy non-flowering stems
- Cut 4-6 inch segments with clean scissors
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist potting mix
- Keep in warm, bright location for 6 weeks
Plectranthus questions
How many types of Plectranthus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 12 distinct Plectranthus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 30 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Plectranthus grow in?
Across its varieties, Plectranthus covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Plectranthus bloom?
Most Plectranthus varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer, summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Plectranthus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.