How to identify Large spur-flower (Plectranthus ecklonii)

How to identify Large spur-flower (Plectranthus ecklonii)

Large spur-flower, also known as Groot spoorsalie, Large spur-flower bush, Tall spurflower

Large spur-flower is a robust, herbaceous evergreen shrub, reaching heights of up to 6 feet (around 1.8 meters) and widths of 4 feet (approximately 1.2 meters). It boasts oval-shaped leaves with toothed margins, both densely covered in soft hairs. Notably, large spur-flower flourishes with deep purple flowers arrayed in impressive panicles that extend nearly 1 foot (30 cm) in length, prominently emerging above the foliage in the fall season. These inflorescences are indicative of large spur-flower's thriving best in partial sunlight or light shade, where it enjoys regular watering but can also accommodate clay soils and coastal environments.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Large spur-flower

Robust evergreen shrub growing up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide.

Oval-shaped leaves with toothed margins and dense soft hairs.

Deep purple flowers in panicles nearly 1 foot (30 cm) long, blooming in fall.

Thrives in partial sunlight or light shade, tolerates clay soils and coastal environments.

Detailed Traits of Large spur-flower

Leaf Features

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

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Large spur-flower and Their Similar Plants

Indian coleus vs. Large spur-flower: What's The Difference?

Indian coleus (Plectranthus barbatus) is a tropical perennial plant in the coleus family. It blooms from fall to spring with 25 cm flower spikes covered in electric blue blossoms. A perfect companion to salvias, this prolific blooming plant will complement any garden. Thrives in full sun or partial shade in rich, well-drained soil. Not frost tolerant.

Lobster bush vs. Large spur-flower: What's The Difference?

Lobster bush (Plectranthus neochilus) is a plant species with unique, fragrant leaves, so it is rarely bothered by pests and has even been used to repel snakes and mosquitos. It does, however, play host to several species of butterflies. The lobster bush can tolerate wide temperature ranges and dry conditions.

Swedish Ivy vs. Large spur-flower: What's The Difference?

Swedish Ivy is a common houseplant grown for its striking foliage. It produces toothed-edged leaves with attractive edging, and its small flowers produce nectar that attracts bees. White-edged Swedish Ivy is named for the white edges on the leaves.

Common thicket spurflower vs. Large spur-flower: What's The Difference?

Plectranthus madagascariensis is a plant species native to South Africa. This species is also called the candle plant. Herbivores avoid foraging on this plant due to the fragrance of its leaves, but moths and caterpillars eat the leafy parts of the plant. Common thicket spurflower is often cultivated in gardens.

Mona Lavender vs. Large spur-flower: What's The Difference?

Cultivated from Plectranthus saccatus and P. hilliardiae ssp. autralis 'Magwa', mona Lavender is used as a houseplant in cooler climates and a garden ornamental in tropical climates. Unlike its parent plants, the leaves on the cultivar have a striking purple color on the backs.

Silver spurflower vs. Large spur-flower: What's The Difference?

The silver spurflower is also called the silver crest because of the colors of its foliage. This is generally used as an indoor houseplant and has a rapid growth rate. The colors of the flowers can be white or blue, and they bloom during the summer. It’s grown as an ornamental plant and thrives well in temperate regions.

Little spurflower vs. Large spur-flower: What's The Difference?

Coleus australis, synonyms Plectranthus australis and Plectranthus parviflorus, known as little spurflower or cockspur flower, is a shrub, occurring in Hawaii, Polynesia and Australia. Non aromatic, between 10 cm and 70 cm high. The habitat is shady moist areas, including eucalyptus forest and rainforest. A widespread species, in rocky areas and beside streams. Attractive blue and white flowers may occur throughout the year.

Bonsai mint vs. Large spur-flower: What's The Difference?

The bonsai mint is an evergreen species that is native to some provinces in South Africa. This plant is an excellent specimen to use as a bonsai tree, and its most attractive features include its aromatic leaves and its lovely, lilac-colored flowers.

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Key Facts About Large spur-flower

Attributes of Large spur-flower

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb, Shrub

Plant Height

1.5 m to 3 m

Spread

1.2 m

Fruit Color

Brown

Black

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Large spur-flower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Spurflowers

Species

Large spur-flower (Plectranthus ecklonii)

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Distribution Map of Large spur-flower

Large spur-flower is naturally endemic to the subtropical regions of a major southern hemisphere continent. Over time, it has been introduced to other temperate zones, including notable island nations in the southwestern Pacific. Large spur-flower is also widely cultivated beyond its native range due to its ornamental qualities.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Large spur-flower

A Comprehensive Guide to Large spur-flower How to Grow and Care for Large spur-flower