Silver Shield Plectranthus

Silver Shield is a Plectranthus selection with soft silver foliage and a compact, mounded outline. Ball lists a mature height and width of 24–30 inches and partial sun to sun; the RHS gives a broader mature range of 0.5–1 metre, so retain the displayed dimensions as a cultivar-specific estimate supported by Ball. [Ball Seed](https://info.ballseed.com/PlantInfo/?phid=049800001013564) · [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/317223/plectranthus-argentatus-silver-shield/details) ## Placement and seasonal interest Plant Silver Shield in partial shade or sun in a border or container. Its velvety silver leaves provide the main display, while slender purple flower spikes with small blue-tinted white flowers appear in summer. Ball describes the foliage as scented and heat tolerant; the RHS lists the plant as a tender evergreen sub-shrub. ## Growing conditions The RHS recommends moist but well-drained soil and planting outdoors after frost in a sheltered, partial-shade position. For containers, use a free-draining mix and allow the pot to drain fully. The selection suits foliage-focused combinations where its pale leaves contrast with darker greens. ## Maintenance Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness and remove spent flower spikes if a tidy outline is desired. The RHS recommends pinching young shoots to keep plants compact and notes possible mealybugs, scale, whitefly, and slugs. Protect this tender selection from frost; the RHS hardiness rating is H1C, not a USDA zone.