Plectranthus argentatus 'Silver Shield'

Plectranthus argentatus 'Silver Shield'

'Silver Shield' was introduced to the garden scene many years ago by the good folk at Ball Horticulture as part of their Nature's Decor range of plants. It is the compact growing form of the Queensland native Plectranthus argentatus which is a sprawling rainforest understory shrub. Like the original species it prefers a fairly warm spot in the garden though it will tolerate light frost. Frost damage of blackened leaves is only a temporary problem of this otherwise hardy sun or shade loving shrub. Usually it grows to around 60 cm in height and it will need an annual prune to keep it in shape. Green looper caterpillars are fond of the leaves and as they hide on the lower leaf surface, the damage is often done before you find the culprit. Snails also can disfigure the leaves.

Flowers which are pale lavender in colour are fairly insignificant and are not really noteworthy as this silver foliage plant stands alone by adding an exciting colour element to any garden or container grown collection of plants.