perennial

Eyelash Spur Flower

The Story

Plant Bio

Plectranthus ciliatus is a creeping, semi-succulent perennial herb native to South Africa and Eswatini, forming a low groundcover of trailing stems that root readily at the nodes. The stems are covered in prominent maroon hairs, carrying broad green leaves with dark purple undersides and margins lined with fine, eyelash-like hairs.

The foliage is dotted beneath with orange glands, providing a strong contrast to the terminal racemes of white flowers speckled with purple. These blooms appear from late summer through winter, offering late-season interest in mild climates or indoor settings.

Uses & Benefits:

Grown for its striking discolorous foliage with deep purple undersides and delicate, purple-speckled white flowers.

Serves as an easy-to-grow indoor houseplant or trailing container specimen that tolerates deep shade.

Provides a late-season nectar source for hummingbirds in frost-free zones or greenhouse environments.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

48"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9, 10

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South Africa and Eswatini

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may cause mild mechanical irritation)

Bloom period

Late summer – Winter

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial to full shade with rich, well-draining loam or compost-amended soil.
Space plants 36 to 48 inches apart to allow the trailing stems room to spread and root at the nodes.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and establish consistent moisture.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch to help retain soil moisture and keep the root zone cool.

Pro Tip

Avoid treating this species as a drought-tolerant succulent; it requires consistent moisture and rich, organic soil in partial to full shade to prevent leaf scorch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Pinch back stem tips during the early growing season to encourage a bushier, more compact habit.
Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during active growth in the summer months.
Bring container-grown plants indoors before temperatures drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that hold excess water and trigger root rot.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody stems, as they will fail to reshoot.
Do not expose the plant to harsh, direct midday sun, which causes leaf scorch and decline.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverHanging BasketsUnderstory PlantingIndoor HouseplantPatio Containers

Companion Plants

Heuchera Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Eyelash Spur Flower questions

What zones can Eyelash Spur Flower grow in?

Eyelash Spur Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Eyelash Spur Flower deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Eyelash Spur Flower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Eyelash Spur Flower bloom?

Eyelash Spur Flower typically blooms in late summer through winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Eyelash Spur Flower need full sun?

Eyelash Spur Flower does best in part shade.