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Annuals/Identifying Plectranthus species

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Expert: - 1/14/2006


Question
I've got a photo of a Plectranthus which I've incorrectly called a legume. Could you please find a more correct identification? Here is the photo:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Legume.jpg
As last time, I really appreciate your service!

Thanks,
Peter

Answer
Peter,
Aspects of the Plectranthus flower do resemble a legume, but Plectranthus are in the mint family. (note the square stems)  Your picture doesn't show the foliage, which would give me more complete information, but it looks like the fall blooming Plectranthus ciliatus.  There are several cultivars of this species.  Another similar "spur flower" is the P. zuluensis (some say it's the same plant...I will leave this to others to sort out.)

If the foliage is grey rather than green with a purplish tinge, it would be P. argentatus.

all the best,
C.L.

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C.L. Fornari

Expertise

Annuals suggested for specific situations (sun, shade, windowboxes etc) New or unusual annuals are a particular interest of mine, and I grow many of these from seed. I am happy to help problem solve, answer questions about maintenance, and guide you to sources of unusual plants.

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I am a garden writer/speaker/consultant and host of a weekly gardening radio program in the Northeast. I have been gardening all my life for my own pleasure, and started as a professional gardener and garden communicator 15 years ago. I work part-time at a garden center, selling and tending shrubs/trees/annuals/perennials...and doing some propagation and design work. I often think that all these professional activities serve to put a somewhat legitimate framework around a serious case of plant-lust.

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