Spanish Shawl

Something that covers the ground and gives you a bit of colour and stops the weeds is welcome in any garden. Spanish shawl (Heterocentron elegans) is a colourful ground cover native to Central America, that will brighten up a sunny spot in the garden.

Plant details

Common name: Spanish Shawl

Botanical name: Heterocentron elegans. The genus name Heterocentron comes from the Greek meaning a different or diverse spur and the species name elegans is Latin for graceful. It is from the same family as the Tibouchina and Lassiandra.

Climate: It grows in a warm climate in the coastal areas of Australia from Sydney north and around to Perth. It will grow in the warm areas of Melbourne and Adelaide but will not grow in Tasmania. It is worth trying in the central region of Australia. 

Description: A carpet-like shrub or ground cover with bright magenta or purply pink flowers and sparse bristly to downy foliage. It grows to a height of 5cm (2″) with an indefinite spread.

Uses:

ground cover add colour to the garden weed prevention rock garden or over a wall hanging basket

Likes:

well drained soil full sun to semi-shade water well during dry periods

Dislikes:

heavy frosts

Availability:

Spanish Shawl is available from nurseries throughout Australia, costs $6-$10 for 14cm (5.5″). Look for it in spring and early summer.