Gotu Kola, Spadeleaf

Centellaasiatica

Family
Apiaceae (ay-pee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Centella (ken-TEL-uh)
Species
asiatica (a-see-AT-ee-kuh)
Synonym
Hydrocotyle asiatica
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Evergreen
Smooth
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Danger
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Pollen may cause allergic reaction
Bloom Color
Medium Purple
Bloom Time
Blooms all year
Blooms repeatedly
Other Details
Category
Groundcovers
Herbs
Ponds and Aquatics
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
8.6 to 9.0 (strongly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
Seed Collecting
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Birmingham, Alabama

Budapest, Budapest

Berkeley, California

Merced, California

Bunnell, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Sebring, Florida

Kenner, Louisiana

New Albany, Ohio

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Plano, Texas

Spring Branch, Texas

Sugar Land, Texas

show all

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Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
4
neutrals
0
negative
Sort By:
Sort By:
C
Kenner, LA | February 2011 | positive

I live a little to the West of New Orleans, in Kenner, Louisiana.
I have been growing Gotu Kola here for well over 35 years. I al...Read More

C
C
Springfield, MA | May 2010 | neutral

I have mixed experience with this. One of my Gotu Kola plants is barely surviving; I have another one that's thriving and sending runner...Read More

M
M
Plano, TX | April 2009 | positive

Also known as "brahmi", this plant is known to be medicinal and is used to boost healty hair growth in hair oils. Also, used as a digestive.

B
| November 2007 | positive

This plant has become famous in the Philippines for its proven medicinal effects for arthritis and hypertension. . . People are eating 2 ...Read More

D
west Houston, TX (Zone 9a) | May 2006 | neutral

This plant was once highly touted on the west coast as a means of preventing aging. It tastes much like parsley and is said to be high in...Read More

P
Mayaguez, PR (Zone 11) | June 2005 | positive

Grows really well in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Needs lots of water but likes full sun. Can tolerate semi-shade. Needs space to grow better. ...Read More

M
(Zone 11) | September 2004 | neutral

Centella asiatica is the base of popular medicines against cellulitis and other superficial skin disorders, as well as antiinflammatory.

X
X
Sebring, FL (Zone 9b) | September 2004 | neutral

Centella asiatica is a very wide rangng subtropical stoloniferous herb - from the coastal plain of the SE United States south through Sou...Read More

L
Merced, CA (Zone 9a) | April 2004 | positive

I found four of these at a local nursery, but they could not tell me much about them. Three wintered well in the winter greenhouse sittin...Read More

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