Plectranthus parviflorus Play pronunciation

Little Spurflower is a prostrate to erect, pubescent, flowering, herbaceous perennial subshrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that grows 2 to 3 feet tall. It is native to a variety of sites with some exposure to direct light including rocky outcrops, slopes, embankments and forest margins in Hawaii, Polynesia and Australia. The leaves can vary depending on the exposure to sunlight, from dull green when sheltered, to reddish or yellowish green, and more succulent in exposed, drier sites. The flowers on a 6 inch long raceme are pale mauve to white with blue-violet markings on lateral lobes.

This plant prefers average warmth and a temperature minimum of 50 degrees, a moist compost planting medium, and does best in semi-shade to bright light. However, you should avoid direct sunlight, which will cause the plant to remain compact. Reduce watering in winter and mist leaves occasionally. You can prune new stem tips to maintain the plant's shape and encourage branching.

In warmer climates, its spreading stems make the plant useful as a ground cover, especially in sites with trees providing dappled sunlight.  In cooler climates, Little Spurflower can be grown as an annual or in containers where it can overwinter as a houseplant. Indoors, it should be sited in bright, mostly sunny exposures. It is easily propagated by cuttings.

There is some confusion over the scientific name for this plant. Originally, the species parviflorus was placed in genus Plectranthus. Recently, it was moved to genus Coleus. However, in the Coleus genus, it was given the species name australis. 

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Mealybugs and spider mites can be a problem. Leaf spots and root rot can occur.

More information on Plectranthus.