Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | |||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter | Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
A genus of annual or perennial herbs or shrubs, some of which can be succulent or tuberous in nature, and one of the easiest plants to propagate. Their velvety leaves add vibrant shades of red, pink, green and purple to beds and borders, pots and containers
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based, potting compost in bright filtered to moderate light. Pot up annually in spring. Grow on outdoors after risk of frost has passed in a sheltered position with humus rich, moist but well-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed in early spring (cultivars may not come true) or by softwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
Pinch out tips to encourage bushiness. Cut back if bringing indoors for winter
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse pests such as mealybugs, glasshouse whitefly and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.