Flora Mound™ Plectranthus

Flora Mound Plectranthus (Plectranthus ciliatus) is a shade loving groundcover with rippled emerald leaves, burgundy undersides and purple and white flowers in autumn. The foliage sits 20cm to 40cm high and a plant spreads to about 1m wide, so a few plants cover a good patch of shaded ground. An Ozbreed line that thrives in warm climates.

Why you'll love it

• Two toned leaves. Rippled emerald leaves with chocolate to burgundy undersides give a planting depth even when nothing is flowering.
• Autumn flowers. Purple and white flowers arrive in autumn, when many shade beds have gone quiet.
• Made for shade. It prefers light to moderate shade, which is where most groundcovers sulk.
• Spreads into a mound. A plant reaches about 1m across, knitting into a dense cover.
• Forgiving of light frost. It stays evergreen in light frosts and greens up again after moderate ones.

Where it works best

Pathways and driveway borders. Plant 60cm apart to frame a path with a soft, rippled edge.

Mass planting in shade. Ozbreed's range is 50cm to 100cm apart. Plant at 60cm for a dense cover under trees and along shaded walls.

Cottage garden accent. A single clump beside a shaded step or wall adds leaf texture, with the burgundy undersides showing where the rippled leaves lift.

Growing Flora Mound Plectranthus in Australia

Position and climate. Light to moderate shade, and shade is essential where temperatures climb above 40 degrees. Ozbreed lists Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, so it suits tropical to cool temperate gardens. It is best away from regions with heavy frost.

Soil. Ozbreed does not list a soil type. Like other plectranthus, it does best in loose, organically rich soil that holds moisture and drains freely.

Water and feed. Water to keep the soil evenly moist, and mulch to hold that moisture. A light feed in spring helps.

Pruning. Trim for shape if you like. After a moderate frost it greens up again, so wait for warm weather before cutting frosted growth.

What to expect when it arrives

Flora Mound Plectranthus is listed in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is grown to order at times, so a size can show as backorder. Order it and we confirm timing with you before anything ships. Ten plants at 60cm spacing cover about 3.6 square metres.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse more groundcover plants
• Plants for partial shade
• Plants for full shade
• See the full Ozbreed range

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 60cm apart for a dense cover. Ozbreed's range runs from 50cm to 100cm, with wider spacing taking longer to join.

Will it handle frost?

It is evergreen in light frosts and greens up after moderate ones. In regions with heavy frost, choose a more sheltered spot or another groundcover.

Can it grow in sun?

Ozbreed recommends shade, and in places that pass 40 degrees shade is necessary. Treat it as a plant for the shady side of the garden.