Another plant that you have seen in so many garden centers that you may have become “plant blind” to them is the Plectranthus – especially one called ‘Mona Lavender’. ‘Mona Lavender’ is a cultivar that is commonly available on the market featuring lavender tubular flowers and deep green serrated leaves. This herbaceous perennial is a featured Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ approved plant, was named by the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association a “Plant of the Year” in 2004 and voted as the 2005 Mississippi Medallion Award winner – all good credentials!
Plectranthus is a relative of coleus and others in the mint family including the Cuban oregano. This genus of plants is from South Africa and includes the familiar houseplant called Swedish Ivy. ‘Mona Lavender’ was developed in the 1990s in South Africa after a good deal of breeding and selection work finally produced this very popular cultivar. Growing up to two-feet tall, ‘Mona Lavender’ does best in part-sun/part-shade conditions keeping in mind that the more sun it receives (within reason), the more compact it grows. While often kept in containers by itself or with other plant materials – example – green and/or yellow coleus – ‘Mona Lavender’ can be used in many settings ranging from flower beds for mass planting or as a border plant, to simply enjoying this plant in a hanging basket, or even as a houseplant. Compost enriched soils is appreciated by this plant, as well as sufficient water as needed. Pinching will help develop a bushier specimen, and as a result, more flowers. In addition, removing old flower heads helps ‘Mona Lavender’ have a neater appearance – just part of plant sanitation.
While short days trigger flowering in Plectranthus, the dark lavender, purple speckled flower spikes of ‘Mona Lavender’ blossom over a long period with an abundance occurring from August through April. The flowers are the star attraction, but the glossy green foliage which with a purplish color on the underside also ranks high with ornamental value.
‘Mona Lavender’ is hardy in Zone 10a, but can be nipped back by a cold snap, so be prepared to cover or evacuate these plants in the event of a frost or freeze. Containerized plants make this a breeze as they can simply be moved inside.
Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ is an amazing plant – not only in ornamental appeal – but also in its versatility as a plant suitable for many uses. Don’t be “plant blind” – view ‘Mona Lavender’ as a solution to your gardening conundrum! For more information on all types of unique plants to grow in Southwest Florida, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension – Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design (2022) The University of Florida Extension Services, IFAS.
Plant Profiles – M-Plants (2023) Mona Lavender Plectranthus – The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS – Orange County.
Rodriguez, D. (2006) Plectranthus “Mona Lavender” & Gardening to Do’s. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ (2024) North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. NC State University.
Schoellhorn, R. (2004) Warm Climate Production Guidelines for Plectranthus. The University of Florida Extension Services, IFAS.
Missouri Botanical Garden (2024) Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j560
Peck , A. (2023) Mona Lavender – UC Master Gardeners- Diggin’ it in SLO – UCCE Master Gardener Volunteer. Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California.
Winter N. (2205) Mona lavender wins ’05 Medallion award. MSU Extension Service.
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