Centradenia inaequilateralis aka Spanish Shawl

Taxonomy

Centradenia inaequilateralis is a bushy, semi-trailing evergreen perennial native to southern Mexico and Central America. It typically grows to about 30cm tall and is often grown as an annual bedding plant for its bronze-tinted foliage and profusion of pink flowers from summer to autumn. The branches of Centradenia inaequilateralis are angled or winged, with stems that are often colored. The leaves are lanceolate or ovate, velvety, and flushed with red on the undersides. This lovely plant produces clusters of small pink to mauve flowers in panicles either terminally or along the branches in winter. The 'Cascade' cultivar of Centradenia inaequilateralis has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, making it a great choice for patio containers.

Common names

Spanish Shawl

How to care for Spanish Shawl

Difficulty

Caring for Spanish Shawl is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Lighting

Spanish Shawl requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Spanish Shawl is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Spanish Shawl to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.


More info:
Wikipedia