Plectranthus ‘Plepalila’ or Mona Lavender, as it’s more commonly known, is the ultimate plant for a shady garden. This hardy, evergreen perennial has green foliage and deep-purple undersides on the reverse. You expect to find spikes of lavender-purple blooms on black stems in late summer and autumn.
How to use
Plectranthus is perfect for mass plantings, cottage gardens, planted in pots or containers, used as a featured plant or a low hedge – just like we’ve created here in our Canterbury project. We used approx. 20 pots to create this look.
How to plant
Plant your Mona Lavender in well-drained soil and part-shade or full shade. They easily tolerate root competition under trees. You can expect your plant to grow to approx—80 cm tall and 60cm wide.
Companion plants:
We recommend planting Mona Lavender with:
- Petunias
- Coleus
- Kalanchoe
- Aeonium
- Lamium
Care and maintenance
Once established, Plectranthus requires minimal watering and will only need occasional watering in the warmer months. You can lightly prune Plectranthus in spring and summer to maintain its shape and size – this will be important for those using it as a low hedge. Our horticulturists often like to say “plant and watch it grow!” Plectranthus is also both drought and frost tolerant.
