Also known as Spurflower · 17 gardener saves
Plectranthus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Plectranthus, the genus most gardeners know as spurflower. We track 9 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 9 most-saved Plectranthus varieties
Of 9 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedSwedish Ivy
Plectranthus ecklonii
#2 most savedDanish Oil Plant
Plectranthus barbatus 'grandis'
#3 most savedColeus 'Festive Dance'
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Festive Dance'
Coleus Indian Summer
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Indian Summer'
Lobster Flower
Plectranthus neochilus
Coleus Wizard Sunset
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Wizard Sunset'
El Brighto Coleus
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'ColorBlaze El Brighto'
ColorBlaze Rediculous Coleus
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'ColorBlaze Rediculous'
Cuban Oregano Mexican Mint
Plectranthus amboinicus
How to grow Plectranthus
What the Plectranthus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Plectranthus year
- FertilizeMay–August100% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, especially for container plants
- Pinch TipsMay–July89% of varieties
Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage dense, bushy growth
- PropagateMay–August89% of varieties
Take stem cuttings to root indoors for overwintering
- PlantApril and May78% of varieties
Plant transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- DeadheadJune–August44% of varieties
Remove small blue flower spikes immediately to maintain foliage vigor
- Winter PrepSeptember and October33% of varieties
Bring container plants indoors before the first hard frost to overwinter.
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 |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil or wipe with alcohol-soaked cotton |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| 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
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring
- Cover lightly with soil
- Maintain consistent moisture
- Place in a warm, bright location
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks
Plectranthus questions
How many types of Plectranthus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Plectranthus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 17 real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
Plectranthus shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Plectranthus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
