Heterocentron

New Zealand’s Best Heterocentron Plants

Adding colourful perennials to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Spanish Shawl plants and the right one for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Heterocentron, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Heterocentron

1. What is the common name for Heterocentron elegans?

Heterocentron elegans is commonly known as Spanish Shawl. It is a tender perennial subshrub native to the montane regions of Central America. It is a sprawling plant with small, dark green leaves and has bright purple-pink flowers. It grows to a height of 5 cm and can spread 1 m wide.

2. How do you care for a Spanish shawl?

Spanish Shawl (Heterocentron elegans) is a low-maintenance and easy-to-grow plant that thrives in warm, humid climates. Here are some general care guidelines for how to grow it welll:

1. Light: Spanish Shawl prefers full sun or partial shade.
2. Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During hot, dry weather, you will need to water more frequently.
3. Temperature: Spanish Shawl prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
4. Humidity: Spanish Shawl prefers high humidity.
5. Soil: Spanish Shawl prefers well-draining and slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
6. Fertiliser: Add small amounts in spring and summer.
7. Pruning: Spanish Shawl doesn't require regular pruning, but you can trim it back to maintain its shape.
8. Pests and Diseases: Spanish Shawl is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but keep an eye out for common problems like aphids, mealybugs, and fungal diseases.

3. What is a fun fact about Spanish Shawl?

One fun fact about the Spanish Shawl (Heterocentron elegans) is that it is a natural hybrid of two closely related species, Heterocentron mexicanum and Heterocentron suberosum. This natural hybridization is thought to have occurred in the wild, and it has resulted in a plant with unique characteristics that are not found in either of its parent species.