Plectranthus zuluensis

Plectranthus zuluensis has been used as parent plant of several garden cultivars. This picture shows one from a nursery, not from nature and may not display all the features expected in plants of the wild.

The plant grows erect or sprawls to 2 m. The leaves are coarse with undulations along the net-veining and covered in tiny glands. They exude a strong scent when crushed. The flowers vary in shades of blue-purple. The wavy upper lip shows a pattern of dark mauve dots.

There is a long-tongued fly in the plant’s distribution area with proboscis equal to the flower tube in length… understandably the prime pollinator of these flowers.

The long flowering season, from spring to winter, adds to the benefits for gardeners. It is best grown in summer rainfall gardens in semi-shade. Watering needs are average, decreasing as plants become established or live in semi-shade rather than full sun (www.plantzafrica.com).