Plectranthus caninus
Dog spurflower
Also known as Coleus caninus, Coleus flavovirens, Coleus omahekense, Coleus spicatus, Coleus caninus 'Scaredy Cat', Coleus Caninus 'Scaredy Cat Variegated'
- Height × spread
- 0.4m × 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a sturdy annual, rarely, biennial that makes a mound of green foliage that is spreading and expansive by nature. The leaves are good sized and may be rounded or slightly pointed with impressed veins. The mauve flowers are held on stout stems and stand above the foliage. The flowers come from bracts that are coloured beige and are attractive in their own right. The flowers at the base are the first to open. They are long and open like shallow scoops, whilst the stamens rise from within this bowl. It flowers in autumn and can only take a small amount of frost.
- Flower colour
- Mauve, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - late · Planting
Divide when too large
When the plant is too large clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut, whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Found in
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