Plectranthus argentatus
Common name: Silver Spurflower
Silver Spurflower (Plectranthus argentatus) is grown for its attractive foliage. This native of Australia is a perennial shrub 1 m/3 ft wide and tall. It is easy to grow and flourishes in both sun and shade. The perfect filler for difficult spots in a garden. Silver Spurflower is spread around our Southern Hemisphere Garden doing just that.
Although Silver Spurflower is mostly grown for the beautiful texture and colour of its foliage, its sturdy pink stems catch your eye. They have a glow about them and match the spur-like flowers too. Its genus name Plectranthus is from the Greek words ‘plectron’ meaning 'spur' and ‘anthos’ 'flower'. The species name argentatus means 'silvery'.
Recently its genus has been changed to Coleus. Not all agree with the change though. Nurseries and plant lovers are still using Plectranthus. And Silver Spurflower doesn’t care. It knows in plant words what it is.
The pictures were taken in the Southern Hemisphere Garden in August. This plant was also planted seasonally in 2022 in the blue border just east of the Formal Rose Garden.
Text and photos by Hughie Jones