Silver Shield Plectranthus is a stunning foliage annual grown for its velvety silver leaves and upright, branching habit that brings instant contrast to beds and containers. Hardy in zones 9, 11, it reaches 24, 36 inches tall and wide, blooming from summer into fall with delicate flowers that crown its dramatic silvery mound. Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost gives you vigorous plants ready to shine in 100, 109 days, and they're tough enough to handle stress and summer heat without fussing.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
36in H x 36in W
—
High
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The real treasure here is the foliage. Its velvety silver leaves are so distinctive that many gardeners grow it purely for the textural contrast it brings to mixed plantings and containers. The plant branches naturally and generously without requiring pinching, building a full, mounded form that holds its silvery color even through intense summer conditions. Its stress tolerance and vigor make it an exceptionally low-maintenance performer once established.
Silver Shield Plectranthus is grown primarily as an ornamental foliage plant for garden beds, mixed containers, raised beds, and greenhouse production. Its dramatic silver foliage serves as a cooling visual contrast against darker-leaved plants and vibrant flowering companions, making it especially valuable in mixed plantings where its muted tones help other colors shine.
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Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Surface sow the seeds and press them lightly into the soil, then cover with a thin layer of vermiculite to maintain humidity. Keep the seed tray at 65, 70°F. Seeds typically sprout in 7, 14 days.
Transplant outdoors after your last frost date when soil has warmed and nighttime temperatures stay above 60°F. Space plants 36 inches apart in rows and 24, 36 inches apart center-to-center.
Direct sow after your last frost date by surface sowing seeds and pressing them lightly into warm soil.
Pinching is not necessary; the plant branches naturally and generously on its own, developing a full mounded form. Remove any dead or damaged stems as needed to maintain appearance.
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