Heterocentron is a small genus of low, spreading melastomes from the mountains of Mexico and Central America. One species in particular has made its way into gardens around the world under the common name Spanish shawl.
Quick facts. Family: Melastomataceae. Range: Mexico and Central America. Habitat: cool, moist mountain forests and clearings. Growth form: creeping, mat-forming subshrubs. Flowers: bright magenta to pink, with four petals. Common name: Spanish shawl.
The plant
The plant sold as Spanish shawl is often listed as Heterocentron elegans or Heterocentron subtriplinervium, depending on the nursery and the source, which reflects the ongoing name confusion in this group. It has creeping stems that root where they touch the ground, forming a dense mat of small, slightly hairy, three-veined leaves. In the warm season it is covered in magenta-pink flowers about two centimetres across, each with four petals and the curved stamens typical of the family.
Where it grows best
In nature, Heterocentron lives in cool, moist upland habitats, so it appreciates mild conditions with consistent moisture. In gardens it is a good fit for:
- Rock gardens and the edges of paths, where its mat can spill over stone.
- Hanging baskets and containers.
- Slopes, where the rooting stems help hold soil.
- Greenhouses and conservatories in cooler climates.
Care guide
- Light: bright light to partial shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade prevents scorching; indoors, bright indirect light encourages flowering.
- Soil: moist but well-drained, slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. See choosing soil and fertilizer.
- Water: keep evenly moist. The plant sulks if left dry for long.
- Temperature: best in mild conditions. It tolerates light cool spells in mild climates but is damaged by hard freezes, so container plants should be moved under cover in cold regions.
- Pruning: shear lightly after the main flowering to keep the mat dense and tidy.
Propagation
Heterocentron is among the easiest melastomes to propagate. Because its stems root as they spread, a rooted section can simply be cut away and potted. Tip cuttings also root readily in a moist mix with humidity. See the general method in propagating Tibouchina from cuttings, which works similarly.
Problems
Overwatering and poor drainage cause stem rot. Dry air and drought lead to leaf browning. Aphids and spider mites occasionally appear; see common pests on melastome houseplants.
Why grow it
Heterocentron proves that melastomes are not all large shrubs. It offers an easy way to try the family in a small space, and its brilliant flowers reward minimal effort provided the moisture level is right.