Lamiaceae
Silver Spurflower (Plectranthus argentatus)
Plectranthus argentatus
An easy plant for sun or part shade in well-drained soil. Water to establish it, then let the surface dry slightly between waterings; it tolerates some drought but not standing water. It will not survive frost: in cold regions grow it as an annual or bring the pot indoors for winter near a bright window. Feed every 4 to 6 weeks in the growing season and trim lightly to keep it bushy.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Silver Spurflower?
Silver Spurflower (Plectranthus argentatus) is a easy-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Plectranthus argentatus, now classified as Coleus argentatus, is a shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to the border region of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, where it grows on rock outcrops and rainforest margins. It forms a spreading mound about 1 m tall and wide. The leaves are...
Silver Spurflower grows up to 1.0m, spread of 100cm, watering every 7 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Silver Spurflower tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Silver Spurflower is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Silver Spurflower?
TLDR: Silver Spurflower needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Silver Spurflower?
Once established, water when the top few centimetres of soil are dry, usually about once a week in warm weather. Containers need water more often than plants in the ground. Never leave the soil soggy or water in the saucer, and avoid wetting the leaves late in the day, which encourages powdery mildew.
How Much Light Does Silver Spurflower Need?
Full sun to part shade. More light gives more silver foliage; in very hot climates, choose a spot with afternoon shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Silver Spurflower?
Not fussy about soil type or pH, but it needs good drainage. In containers use a light, fast-draining mix; avoid heavy, wet ground.
What Pot Should You Use for Silver Spurflower?
A medium to large pot with drainage holes and a fast-draining mix. Terracotta helps prevent excess moisture.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 35 days
What Is Silver Spurflower and Where Does It Come From?
Plectranthus argentatus, now classified as Coleus argentatus, is a shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to the border region of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, where it grows on rock outcrops and rainforest margins. It forms a spreading mound about 1 m tall and wide. The leaves are oval, 5 to 11 cm long, with scalloped edges and a coat of fine hairs that gives them their sage-green to silver colour, the reason it is grown. In late summer it sends up racemes up to 30 cm long with small bluish-white flowers, less showy than the foliage. In temperate climates it is used as an annual bedding plant in borders and containers, and it holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
How to Propagate Silver Spurflower?
Stem cutting
Roots very easily. Take cuttings in late summer to keep young plants indoors over winter.
- 1 Cut 8 to 10 cm shoot tips just below a node
- 2 Strip the leaves from the lower half
- 3 Insert into light, moist mix or a glass of water
- 4 Keep in bright light out of strong sun until rooted
Materials needed:
Seed
Can be raised from seed as a half-hardy annual, but cuttings are faster.
- 1 Sow on fine, moist seed mix without burying deeply
- 2 Keep warm and bright
- 3 Prick out seedlings when they have a few leaves
- 4 Plant out only after the danger of frost has passed
Materials needed:
How Big Does Silver Spurflower Grow?
TLDR: Silver Spurflower can reach up to 1.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Spread
1.0m
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Silver Spurflower?
TLDR: Silver Spurflower is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Fun Facts
Argentatus is Latin for silvered, after the leaves
It is a relative of mint and Cuban oregano, in the same family Lamiaceae
It holds the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit
Frequently asked questions
Is silver spurflower frost hardy?
Does Plectranthus argentatus like sun?
How do I propagate silver spurflower?
Are Plectranthus argentatus and Coleus argentatus the same plant?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Wikipedia — Coleus argentatus (syn. Plectranthus argentatus), silver spurflower
- Roger's Gardens — Silver Shield Plectranthus (P. argentatus 'Silver Shield')
- Plant Detectives — Silver Spurflower (Plectranthus argentatus)
- Karen's Garden Tips — Plectranthus 'Silver Shield' (pests, powdery mildew, feeding)
