Allan Armitage, professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia, discovered and selected this plant as a sport of another plectranthus in his garden. This plant went through extensive trials at the UGA trial gardens before it was named a 1998 Georgia Gold Medal Winner. What makes the plant so interesting is that it has very thick, fuzzy leaves that are bright yellow-green and white in the center, with an outer border of darker green. This combination makes for a fascinating contrast that carries its beauty even when viewed close up. Being close to this plant is half the fun.
Kids just love touching the soft, fuzzy leaves.
It's fun to watch as they discover the added benefit of its scent. The leaves, when rubbed together, have a spicy fragrance that reminds one of fresh oregano. Athens Gem produces tiny white flowers from midsummer until first frost. Its growth habit is much like a coleus. It forms a nice mound 18-24 inches tall and remains colorful all summer.