Plant profile
Gotu kola
Centella asiatica
Also known as Pennywort, Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort.
Gotu kola is a low, creeping native herb that loves moisture and roots as it spreads. It makes a useful living groundcover in damp, partly shaded gardens and can also be contained in a pot.
- Grows well in
- Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
- Lifecycle
- Creeping evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial
- Light
- Part shade, Shade
- Mature size
- Usually 5–20 cm high, spreading indefinitely by creeping stems where moisture is reliable.
- Spacing
- Plant rooted pieces about 20–30 cm apart for a groundcover; they will knit together over time.
- Growth habit
- Low creeping herb with stolons that root at the nodes and form a spreading mat.
- Native range
- From the Caucasus through tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia to eastern Australia and the western Pacific
- Natural habitat
- Moist ground, wetlands, stream margins and damp grassland in tropical and subtropical regions.
When to plant
Tropical
February–November
Subtropical
March–October
Temperate
September–April
Plant during warm, moist weather or whenever you can keep the soil reliably damp. In hot dry weather, shade and frequent watering are important until runners root.
Planting
Plant rooted pieces into moist soil with the crown at soil level. Keep the soil consistently damp while new runners establish.
Position and light
Part shade is ideal in warm climates. It can tolerate brighter sun where the soil stays moist, but harsh afternoon sun can scorch or dry the shallow roots.
Soil
Humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil. Gotu kola naturally favours damp places and tolerates wetter ground better than many herbs.
Watering
Do not let a young plant dry out. Water often enough to keep the root zone consistently moist, especially in pots or dry weather.
Feeding
Compost and occasional light feeding are enough. Heavy fertiliser is not necessary for steady leafy growth.
Pruning
Clip runners back whenever the patch moves beyond its allocated space. Regular harvest and thinning keep it low and fresh.
Harvest
Pick clean young leaves and stems lightly from a well-established patch. Leave plenty of growth behind so the groundcover can recover.
Propagation
Very easy from rooted runners or division. Separate a piece with roots and a few healthy leaves and replant into moist soil.
Common problems
Drying out is the main problem. Slugs, snails and chewing insects may attack soft growth; dense wet patches can become tired and benefit from thinning.
Worth knowing
Centella asiatica is native in Australia, including Queensland. In moist soil it forms a lush low mat and is easy to keep picking for fresh growth.
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