Calathea zebrina

Calathea zebrina, at back, with an edging of Ctenanthe burle-marxii in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney

Calathea belong to the Marantaceae plant family and there are some beautiful species and cultivars with various patterns and colours on the leaves, reminiscent of gorgeously patterned feathers in some cases. Some are a bit marginal in Sydney, preferring a warmer climate than ours; but velvety Calathea zebrina (ht 60-90 cm), from Brazil, with its striking, stripy leaves does reasonably well. The undersides of the leaves is coloured purple. It is sometimes colloquially called peacock or zebra plant.

Calathea zebrina

Calathea zebrina

I like to partner my Calathea with dark-leaved plants to echo its markings. In the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, it is used in combination with other members of the Marantaceae family as massed groundcover under a large tree, and it looks fabulous, as shown at top. Like all Calathea, it thrives in dry shade, steadily making a sizable clump. Propagation is by division of the rhizomatous roots. It can be grown in a pot, and it can grow indoors. The flowers are unexciting.

According to some authorities, this plant should now be called Goeppertia zebrina!