Schaueria flavicoma (Golden Plume) – Fact Sheet

Botanical name: Schaueria flavicoma Common name: Golden Plume Family: Acanthaceae Origin: Tropical South America

Description

A soft‑textured, evergreen shrub growing 1–1.5 m tall. Features yellow‑green foliage and bright yellow plume‑like flower spikes. Long flowering season and excellent for adding gentle colour to shaded or semi‑shaded gardens.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light

• Best in part shade or dappled light

• Tolerates full sun if kept moist

• Prefers protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates

Soil

• Moist, well‑drained, organic‑rich soil

• Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay

• Benefits from compost, leaf litter, and mulching

Water

• Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy

• Water more frequently during hot, dry periods

• Reduce watering in winter

Climate

• Suited to frost‑free, warm climates

• Performs well from Sydney northwards, including coastal tropics

• Not frost tolerant

Flowering

• Produces yellow flower spikes from early summer to late autumn

• Attracts bees and other pollinators

• Responds well to deadheading for extended bloom time

Maintenance

• Low to medium maintenance

• Light prune after flowering to maintain shape

• Hard prune in late winter/early spring to encourage fresh growth

• Mulch annually to retain moisture and improve soil

Propagation

• Easily propagated from softwood cuttings

• Also grows from seed, division, or layering

• May self‑seed in ideal conditions

Landscape Uses

• Understory planting beneath palms or light‑canopy trees

• Soft filler shrub for semi‑shaded beds

• Adds long-season yellow highlights without harshness

• Suitable for tropical, subtropical, and coastal gardens