Heterocentron elegans - Spanish Shawl - Groundcovers

One of my most favourite groundcovers, hands down! This colorful Mexican and Guatemalan native grows to just 5cm high and 0.3-0.5m wide, with a creeping, vine-like habit. Glossy, oval evergreen leaves may take on reddish tones as the season advances. In summer, inch-wide magenta flowers appear among the leaves; calyxes remain after blossoms have withered. When used as a groundcover, blooming plants look like a carpet of bright bougainvillea. Great in hanging baskets too. Best in partial shade but tolerates full sun (in cooler climates) as well as full shade. Protect from snails and slugs.