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Image shows the gorgeous foliage variegation of
Pseuderanthemum alatum
or Chocolate Plant
Chocolate
Plant shows off its fabulous violet blossoms |
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Pseuderanthemum alatum
(Chocolate Plant) |
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: Native to Mexico and Central America
Light: Sun-part shade/light shade
Height: 12-18"
Spread: 2-3'
Blooms: Showy, 1.5" diameter, magenta, on 18" racemes repeated
blooms from early Summer-Fall
Foliage: 6" long, beautiful,
chocolate brown with silver blotches along mid-rib, broadly ovate with
winged petioles
Soil: Well-drained, keep moist, mildy acidic, neutral, allow soil to dry before next
watering, do not allow to dry completely
Water: Abundant
Propagation: Seeds, stem cuttings, Fall or Spring
Uses: Containers, groundcover
Other comments: Pseuderanthemum alatum or Chocolate Plant is a beautiful low-growing
herb that self-sows freely and spreads by roots. In early summer,
attractive magenta colored blossomes appear in racemes atop gorgeous
variegated leaves. Pseuderanthemum alatum blooms constantly till
Fall. The nectar-rich flowers are magnets to butterlies,
bees and birds. After flowering, seeds are formed and they self
disperse. Soon baby plants are found around the mother plant.
Chocolate Plant are easily propagated from seeds and herbaceous stem
cuttings. It thrives well in a sunny to part shade environment in
well-drained moist, mildy acidic to neutral soil. Foliage color
deepens when exposed to more sun hence the silver markings appear more
prominent. Mass plant Pseuderanthemum alatum for a splendid
looking ground cover. It can also be container cultivated for
added colors to the porch or deck. In zone 8b Jenny's Garden, it
dies back to the ground in Winter and reappears with new growth in
Spring. Chocolate Plant easily stirs up a conversation.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 8-11 |
