Bonsai Spurflower

Bonsai Spurflower Overview

Plectranthus ernstii or bonsai spurflower is a slow growing, erect, semi-succulent perennial with swollen stems and a compact habit that resembles a bonsai, ideal for pot plants and rockeries. It is pleasantly aromatic, herbaceous and grows up to 25 cm tall, branching from the base. The stems are greyish, jointed and swollen, and become brown and potato-like with age. The leaves are aromatic and semi-succulent, ovate to broadly ovate to semi-triangular, with pronounced rounded marginal teeth. The upper-surface is sparsely covered in short fine soft hairs, and the under-surface is covered in minute hairs and pale to reddish brown gland-dots. The leaves turn sometimes rose pink during cooler autumn nights.