Photo of Plectranthus barbatus flower, foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Plectranthus barbatus

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 5'
  • W: 4'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

Plectranthus barbatus plant details

Plectranthus barbatus is a fast-growing broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring and winter purple flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Plectranthus barbatus

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT wide, 5 FT tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring and winter
Uses: easy-to-grow, serrated leaves, tropical-looking, winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Plectranthus barbatus

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Oh, this is a fun plant for us lucky folks living in our mild winter climate. It’s a big, honking, perennial specimen plant, totally easy & fast, to about 5’ tall. Related to Coleus, it has large, soft, toothed leaves held on thick, upright, branching stems. From Fall to late Spring, it bears large (10”), upright spikes of rich, purple-blue, long lasting blooms. The flowers emerge from fascinating buds that look like condensed “Chinese Houses.” A must for a tropical garden & would be lovely paired with Brugmansia sanguineus, the bright orange & scarlet “Angel’s Trumpet.” With rich, composty soil & average water, it will reach full height in less than a year.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Plectranthus barbatus plant

How to Grow Plectranthus barbatus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Plectranthus for your garden

aka Plectranthus effusus var. longitubus, Plectranthus longituba, Plectranthus longitubus, Rabdosia longituba, Long-tubed Trumpet Spurflower, Trumpet Spurflower

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

6a-8b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Isodon longitubus flower by peganum
View Plant

aka Coleus aromaticus, Plectranthus aromaticus, Solenostemon aromaticus, Cuban Oregano, Indian Borage, Mexican Mint, Spanish Thyme

Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 15"-18"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - occasional
Photo of Plectranthus amboinicus foliage by Forest & Kim Starr
View Plant

More Options

Scientific Name: Plectranthus 'Plepalila'

aka Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender'

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 18"-24"

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Plectranthus Mona Lavender PP13858 flower by Forest & Kim Starr
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 3'-4'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Plectranthus ecklonii flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

aka Blue Coleus, Lobster Flower

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 1'-3'

Width: 2'-5'

  • sun - bright shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Plectranthus neochilus landscape by Far Out Flora
View Plant

More Options

+95 more Plectranthus
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved