Coleus livingstonei

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Common names: Hedgehog sage, Dark blue pycnostachys (E); umvuthuza (Z);

Native to: Southern Africa

Perennial, Shrub

A perennial shrub bearing dense blue flower spikes on the tips of upright branches.

Coleus livingstonei

EVERGREEN

FULL SUN

SEMI-SHADE

SEMI FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

FAST GROWER

FRAGRANT

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

1m x 1.5m

MAXIMUM SIZE:

2.5m x 2m

FLOWERING TIME:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

FRUITING TIME:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

DESCRIPTION

An erect, perennial herb with sparse branched, solitary woody stems from the base. The leaves have toothed margins. The flowers are borne in dense terminal clusters. They vary from pale to deep blue and mauve.

NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION

Moist, swampy and grassy places.

WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Attracts insect pollinators.

WATER REQUIREMENTS

Water moderately.

MAINTENANCE

Low maintenance.
Trim after flowering to keep a neat appearance.

LANDSCAPING USES

Fantastic for a mixed border in semi-shade.

GARDEN THEMES

Bushveld, Country, Rockery, Woodland

FLOWERS

In dense terminal inflorescences, ± 50 x 20mm with flowers pale to deep blue or mauve. Calyx with 5 spike-like lobes, purplish-red.

FOLIAGE

A mid-green ovoid to lanceolate leaf with a toothed margin.

CULTIVATION

Easy to grow from seed.

PLANTBOOK