Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Medium shrubs
Indigenous | Easy Care | Medium shrubs
The plectranthus family gives us some of the best-value shrubs for shade and semi-shade in coastal gardens. Mona Lavender is the star, with deep green leaves that are purple underneath and spikes of lavender-purple flowers through autumn and winter.
Plectranthus neochilus (the lobster bush) is a robust, aromatic groundcover with blue-purple flower spikes. Plectranthus madagascariensis is a trailing, spreading groundcover with small, rounded, aromatic leaves. All are tough, fast-growing, easy to propagate from cuttings, and excellent for filling shady spots with colour and texture. They handle coastal conditions and are not fussy about soil.
Mona Lavender: about 0.7 to 1 m. Neochilus and madagascariensis: 0.3 to 0.5 m, spreading.
Fast. Mona Lavender can fill a space within one growing season.
Shade garden, under trees, border edging, groundcover, container, hanging basket (madagascariensis). Mona Lavender is a standout feature plant for a shaded bed.
Semi-shade to shade. They handle morning sun well, but hot afternoon sun can burn the leaves, especially on Mona Lavender. They are among the best flowering shrubs for shady conditions.
Any reasonable garden soil with some compost. They are not fussy and handle sandy conditions with a bit of organic matter.
Moderate. Water regularly for the best performance, especially through summer. They are not as drought-tolerant as some indigenous options and can wilt in extended dry spells. Mulch well.
Feed in spring and midsummer with a balanced fertiliser for the best flowering.
Pinch tips on young plants to encourage bushiness. Cut Mona Lavender back by about a third after the main flowering flush in late winter. The groundcover types can be trimmed or divided as needed.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
