Mona Lavender
Mona Lavender (Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender')
By Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6166642
Scientific Name: Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender'
Common Names: Mona Lavender, Lavender Spurflower
Native to: Native to South Africa
Lighting Requirements: Partial to full shade. Mona Lavender thrives in shaded areas, though it can tolerate some morning sunlight. It is best suited for locations that receive filtered or indirect light.
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Width: 18 to 24 inches
Winter Look: It may be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
Seasonal Interest: Spring to fall, with peak blooming in late summer to fall
Drought Tolerance: Moderate. Mona Lavender prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate brief periods of drought once established.
Soil Requirements: Well-draining, rich, fertile soil with high organic matter
pH Range: 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10 to 11 (grown as an annual or houseplant in colder zones)
Deer Resistance: Moderate. Deer typically avoid Mona Lavender, though they may nibble on it if other food is scarce.
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Potential Issues: Can be prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew in humid conditions or if overcrowded. Susceptible to root rot when overwatered.
Notes: Mona Lavender is valued for its ability to thrive in shady gardens and as a houseplant. It makes an excellent addition to containers, hanging baskets, and flower beds, providing a splash of color in low-light areas. Regular pruning and deadheading encourage continuous blooming and help maintain its compact, bushy shape.