Plectranthus ‘Magic Mona Purple’: The Purple Perennial for Hanging Baskets

Many window boxes and hanging baskets look spectacular in spring, only to appear tired by late summer. The usual choices, such as fuchsias and petunias, demand plenty of attention and often fade quickly. However, a little-known purple-flowering perennial from South Africa proves there is another way: more colour, less work and a far longer season.

The purple perennial hardly anyone talks about

This plant’s botanical name is Plectranthus ‘Magic Mona Purple’, although it is also frequently sold as Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’. Originating in South Africa, it was selected by breeders specifically for containers and hanging baskets. Unlike many summer bedding plants, it does not need replacing entirely every year and can last for several seasons, provided it is kept free from frost.

Its habit resembles that of a compact shrub, forming a densely branched mound around 60 to 70 centimetres tall and up to 75 centimetres wide. Rather than trailing downwards, it fills a basket or pot in a rounded, cushion-like shape. This creates a particularly lush display in hanging baskets.

“The special feature: dark, glossy foliage on top, intensely purple leaf undersides and long purple flower spikes in autumn – double ornamental value.”

Even without flowers, the plant remains eye-catching, as its dark green leaves and purple undersides create an appealing contrast. When the blooms arrive, it looks like a cross between lavender, sage and a houseplant – very modern and highly Instagram-worthy.

Why Plectranthus ‘Magic Mona Purple’ is ideal for hanging baskets and shady balconies

Many trailing plants need sunshine but can quickly scorch or dry out on hot days. This is exactly where Plectranthus ‘Magic Mona Purple’ excels:

• Ideal for partial shade and bright shade
• Compact, dense growth rather than sparse shoots
• Autumn flowering when other plants have already been discarded
• Relatively easy to care for, with no daily deadheading required
• Melliferous: attracts bees and other pollinators

Its greatest advantage may be its main flowering period in autumn. While traditional balcony plants often look like weary remnants by August, this perennial is only then beginning to flourish, covering itself in purple flower spikes. It therefore extends the season on balconies and patios considerably, often into October, depending on the region and weather.

The best position: bright shade rather than blazing sun

Plectranthus ‘Magic Mona Purple’ enjoys warmth but does not cope with harsh midday sunshine. It is happiest in the following settings:

• on an east-facing balcony with morning sun
• on a north-facing balcony with plenty of light but no direct heat
• beneath a canopy, protected from heavy rain and intense sun
• under a lightly shaded tree providing filtered light

This perennial is especially effective in urban courtyards, narrow backyards and enclosed patios, where roses and classic sun-loving flowers have little chance of thriving. It brings colour to areas where otherwise only geraniums or evergreen plants often survive.

Temperatures and winter: helping the plant survive for several years

In mild, frost-free areas, Plectranthus behaves as a true perennial that returns each year. In central European winters, however, even light frost will kill it outdoors. Anyone wishing to keep it for longer should therefore treat it as a non-hardy container plant.

The basic rule is simple: move the plant indoors once temperatures begin to approach 0°C consistently. A bright, frost-free indoor location is ideal, such as:

• a conservatory or unheated but bright stairwell
• a light windowsill in the living room, away from direct heat from a radiator
• a cool guest room with plenty of daylight

During winter, it needs considerably less water. Allow the compost to dry slightly, but never let it become completely dust-dry. This “second-life strategy” – outdoors in summer and indoors in winter – can keep the plant going for several years.

How to plant Plectranthus ‘Magic Mona Purple’ in baskets and pots

For a strong start, the plant chiefly needs a free-draining container with sufficient room and sensible drainage. It copes far less well with waterlogging than with a few days of mild dryness.

Step	Recommendation
Choose a container	Use a hanging basket or pot with large drainage holes; wider is preferable to exceptionally deep.
Mix the growing medium	Combine good-quality multipurpose compost with a little compost and a portion of expanded clay or sand.
Plant	Position the plant centrally, fill any gaps with compost and firm only lightly.
Water in	Water thoroughly, allow excess water to drain away and avoid waterlogging.

Several specimens can be planted together in large hanging baskets, or combined with other shade-loving plants, such as white busy Lizzies or trailing ivy. This creates a layered arrangement in which Plectranthus takes the leading role.

Everyday care: little effort, plenty of impact

Care remains straightforward as long as a few basic principles are followed.

Watering correctly

Keep the compost consistently and lightly moist. Completely waterlogged rootballs can lead to root rot, while pots that dry out will quickly shed leaves. A useful watering routine is:

• in summer: every 2–3 days depending on position and heat, or daily during very hot weather
• in spring and autumn: usually once or twice a week
• in winter quarters: much less often, only when the surface is genuinely dry

Feeding and pruning

From April to August, the plant benefits from regular nutrients. A liquid fertiliser for flowering plants added to the water every two weeks is entirely sufficient. This encourages plenty of buds and fresh shoots.

A light shaping prune, or pinching out shoot tips in spring, helps the plant remain bushy. Once flowering has finished, faded spikes can be removed and overly long shoots shortened. This encourages even denser growth.

Easy propagation: grow new plants for free

Anyone who takes a liking to Plectranthus ‘Magic Mona Purple’ can propagate it with very little effort. Tip cuttings often root within just a few weeks. Here is how:

• Cut non-woody shoot tips measuring around 8–10 centimetres long.
• Remove the lower leaves, leaving only 2–3 pairs of leaves at the top.
• Place the cuttings in a glass of water or directly into seed compost.
• Keep them somewhere bright but out of direct sunshine, and maintain slight moisture.

Once roots have formed, transfer the young plants into small pots. This makes it possible to fill shady balconies, patios and even offices with the same variety without buying new plants every year.

What amateur gardeners should also know

In shops, this plant appears under both names, ‘Magic Mona Purple’ and ‘Mona Lavender’. Both names refer to the same type: compact foliage, purple leaf undersides and purple flower spikes in autumn. If in doubt, look for photographs and the description “for partial shade, autumn-flowering”.

Botanically, Plectranthus belongs to the mint family, alongside sage, mint and basil. This explains its characteristic flower shape with elongated spikes. These plants are often particularly appealing to insects. For anyone wanting to make a balcony or patio more wildlife-friendly, this perennial makes a strong statement without sacrificing a neat ornamental appearance.

It also combines well with other late-flowering varieties. Pair it with autumn-flowering heather, small ornamental grasses or white asters to create contrasts that remain enjoyable well into October. For a more contemporary look, plant it alone in a simple dark pot: this highlights the distinctive leaf markings and gives a balcony or entrance a particularly high-end appearance.