Widely known as Plectranthus neochilus, the genus Plectranthus has now been merged back into the all-inclusive Coleus. Nevertheless, like some other former plectranthi, this has slightly more succulent foliage than your typical houseplant coleus. The strongly aromatic foliage gives off a pungent skunk-like aroma, so perhaps it isn’t the most pleasant to rub up against. As a garden perennial, however, Coleus neochilus redeems itself by forming a dense cushion to 0.3 m (1 ft) tall and sprawling to a meter or more. It is covered for several months, potentially year-round in coastal California, with bracteate spikes from which the charming, lavender flowers emerge in succession. The expanded lower lip is cupped and the pale blue stamens and styles with violet tips rest on this terrace. The variegated foliage of the form offered here adds another layer of interest, making this a choice perennial for sun or part shade. Randy Baldwin at San Marcos Growers in Santa Barbara coined the cultivar name and justification and more information about this plant may be found on their website. The species is native to subtropical Africa, from the E. Cape of South Africa across to Namibia. We offer rooted cuttings of HBG 123948, a plant of horticultural origin. $8.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 95 (2), Summer 2023