I recently discovered a plant buried underneath a shrub on my hillside. It survived these last three years in a small clay pot that was only half-filled with soil! The plant was not in very good shape, as you could well imagine. The plant had even managed to flower even under such adverse conditions! Imagine how well it would do when repotted with new soil and gave it some nutrients! I had to learn about this plant and learn how to help it reach its full potential.^[1]

This hardy plant is Plectranthus ecklonii, commonly known as tall spurflower.  Plectranthus ecklonii is from the mint family, Lamiaceae. This herbaceous flowering evergreen shrub grows in forests or shaded situations, exactly where I found it in my garden! It is a South African native that, under the right conditions, can grow as large as 9.8' high and 4' wide. It is known for being a fast-growing, semi-succulent, whose native habitat stretches from damp, coastal subtropics and the outskirts of shady forests and wooded creek banks. It likes areas where rain falls in the summer, although it does great in our zone with irrigation, of course.  It is drought tolerant^[2] and is also known for being aromatic. The fact that it blooms producing showy displays of either pink, blue or white flowers only adds to its appeal. The one downside is that when the leaves are crushed they give off a fetid odor, so no crushing!^[3] In addition when crushed and rubbed this plant leaves a nicotine like stain on the skin.

One of this plant's many upsides is that it is low maintenance and very versatile. It is fast growing and grows well in the ground, in containers, and as a houseplant. This plant is not frost-proof but will return in spring in warmer winter climates like ours. They love regular pruning which helps them maintain a pleasing shape, otherwise becoming unruly!

P. ecklonii is easily propagated from cuttings or seed. Cuttings can be planted like perennial grass in situ. Cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long, with only the topmost leaves kept. If you keep them moist the rooting will be rapid. Cuttings can also be rooted in sand or other appropriate well-draining growing medium. The best time to take cuttings is spring or summer. Keep them in a shady, but well-lit terrain.

When growing from seed start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Plant the seed 1/8^” to 1/4” deep. It likes the soil to be warm (70-75 degrees F). They can be planted in a shallow standard seed tray covered with a thin layer of sand (1-2mm) and kept moist. It prefers bright light for 8-16 hours, maintaining the 8 hours of darkness required. You should see your seedling emerge in 7-14 days! They will require repotting in 6-8 weeks and can be transplanted outside once there is no longer the threat of frost, and they are large enough to handle. Climatize your plant to the outside temperature gradually. Start with an hour a day increasing an hour each day over a week. I can tell you from experience that this is an important step not to be skipped over for your plants success! Growing from seed is a bit more work but very gratifying once you're successful!^[4]

Once you begin to see the results, you can keep your plant as an indoor plant or find a spot outside.

Even a plant suffering from neglect will thrive, given better growing conditions. This Tall Spurflower has a reservation for a prime spot in my garden once it stabilizes and regenerates! I look forward to watching it reach its full potential!

^[1] Picture above taken by author of her “Rescue Plant!”

^[2] Wikipedia- Plectranthus ecklonii

^[3] Steenbok Nature Preserve, South Africa- a protected nature park.

^[4] Website- The Spruce- Article- “How to Grow and Care For Plectranthus Plants