Pycnostachys urticifolia – ( Large hedgehog flower, Blue witches hats)

Description

picture thanks to www.silverhillseeds.co.za

Pycnostachys urticifolia , (also known as Coleus Livingstonei) is a very attractive herbacious evergreen perennial.  It is a very useful plant in the garden as it flowers in the autumn and through into the winter, having large heads of bright cobalt blue flowers above glossy heart-shaped green leaves. It likes sun and average soil, and can tolerate partial shade. The plant flowers in its first year and can be pruned back to maintain its shape. The flowers can be used for cut flowers.  It needs to be protected from frost.

Note : 10 seeds in packet

Sowing advice

Sow the seeds in spring, onto moist seed raising mix in pots or trays. Don’t cover them as they need light for germination. Ideal temperature is 20-25 deg C. Keep the seeds moist by watering from the base of the pot or with a mister to avoid driving them under the soil. They should germinate in about 10- 20 days .