This family of 350 diverse foliage plants includes coleus, Swedish ivy, and Cuban oregano. Although its flowers are somewhat showy, this plant is usually grown primarily for its attractive, fuzzy, gray-green foliage. NC State Extension. Good in large patio pots. Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender' shows off rich purple leaves topped by spikes of lavender-purple flowers. Cat deterring aside, Coleus caninus is an attractive frost-tender perennial plant that forms a neat bush of lush foliage and bears blue flowers in summer. It grows 12-18 inches tall and wide. Variegated types are available, as well. Pinching encourages plants to produce more branches and to become fuller and denser. Lobster flower is hardy in Zones 9-11, but it is often grown as an annual in other areas. WebThe leaves are edible. Again, no reaction. For many years, the genus and species of this plant was Coleus blumei. Its a concept as old as the world and yet, positive evidence on the subject rare; Id even say nonexistent. Sometimes called Spanish thyme, Mexican thyme, and Indian borage, the aromatic, edible leaves have a flavor suggestive of a combination of oregano and thyme. Plants tolerate full sun in cool summer climates. I got into this years ago when a plant new to me came onto the market as a cat- and dog-repellent. You see, the plant really doesnt want to repel insects: it needs pollinating ones to ensure its flowers are fecundated. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. As the waterline recedes, replenish the water. Holostylon Robyns & Lebrun Prepare the garden by breaking up the existing soil (use a hoe, spade, or power tiller). Any repellent effect would be too diluted and cats would simply have to wander around the individual repellent plants to get their favorite spot. While Plectranthus is not a frost-tolerant genus, plants in this genus do well in colder temperatures and even flower during the shorter days of the year. (1992), Lamiaceae. Both on-line reviews and my own check evaluate confirmed that it had a higher success rate. Crowding plants can result in fewer blooms and weak growth as the plants compete for light. Ascocarydion G.Taylor Here's how to divide: Another option for propagation is to usestem cuttings. Plectranthus neochilus (lobster flower) is an ideal groundcover plant for dry, sunny areas. (ed.) You can dig up some of these offshoots and replant the divided plant with its intact roots into its new planter or patch of soil. Plectranthus coleoides 'Nico' is a vigorous variety with dark green leaves with purple veins and purplish leaf undersides. You'll need seed starting soil, seed starting trays, or small cups. These odors are all designed to repel insects, or at least, to keep them from eating the plants. Seedlings should emerge in 7 to 14 days. Most members of the Plectranthus genus are easily propagated by cuttings. Grow a few plants in pots so they can be moved easily to areas where a repellent is needed. Common names include spur-flower. They're vigorous growers and prolific bloomers from mid spring through late fall. Read our. Another important genus is Plectranthus, a large genus containing about 300 species found in Tropical Africa, Asia and Australia. Ovary deeply 4-lobed; style gynobasic; stigma 2-fid. NC State Extension. However, some bright color varieties tend to "green out," with the foliage taking on a green tinge in too much shade. Cori Sears specializes in home decor and houseplants. In sweltering climates, Plectranthus may struggle and require extra care (watering and shade) to survive. Plectranthus Pleases Foliage Lovers. Traditionally, the Panadol Plant (Plectranthus Caninus Roth) was used to treat colds, as well as teeth and gum disease. Leave the topmost two sets intact. Plectranthus needs to drain adequately after watering. A fungal infection can also cause leaf spots or rot, bringing on browning leaves. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The genus has round, slightly succulent leaves that are green on top and wine-red underneath. An attempt to register "Coleus canina" to receive plant variety protection failed as it was considered to be only a clone of Coleus comosus (synonym Plectranthus ornatus).[2]. It sends up spikes of white or pale lavender blooms in fall and spring. Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). In fact, the shape and arrangement of the leaves is very similar. Very easy to propagate by stem cuttings. To keep them looking tidy, give them an occasional pruning or pinching. P. caninus is a tender, mat-forming, stem-rooting, evergreen perennial, typically grown as an annual, with whorled, unpleasantly aromatic, narrowly ovate to spoon-shaped, sparsely-toothed, wrinkled, light green leaves and upright stems bearing racemes of whorled, tubular, violet-blue flowers in summer. She's worked in research for nearly two decades. Despite its unpleasant odor, released when you brush against or stroke the plants sticky foliage, there is no evidence that cats, dogs or other animals are in the least disturbed by the presence ofPlectranthus caninus. For best results, plant plectranthus in high-quality, well-drained soil. Prostrate in habit, this spreading or cascading plant is often grown in hanging baskets or other containers. Or the owner is not looking at the right time? Water the plant. Called by various trade names, including Scaredy Cat, Piss-off Plant, Dogs Gone or Bunnies Gone, it was said to be Coleus canina, It didnt take much digging to discover its real name is Plectranthus caninus: an honest mistake, as the two plants are closely related. It only wants to keep insects from eating its leaves. Some types can handle quite a bit of shade. Pinol is the national drink of Honduras. While some smell pleasant, others have a pungent scent when crushed. Germanea Lam. At the base of the cutting, trim the stem directly below where the bottom leaf attaches. Known for his great generosity, his thoroughness and his sense of humor, he reached several generations of amateur and professional gardeners over his 40-year career. It can grow up to 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide, sometimes becoming woody at the base of its stems. Calyx 2-lipped; lower lip equally 4-lobed (with 2 lateral lobes and 1 median lobe pair), with lobes triangular, acute or acuminate; upper lip a single broad lobe scarcely longer than the lower lip. WebPlectranthus caninus Scaredy Cat Plant LIVE PLANT in 2.5 inch pot 5 out of 5 stars (3.4k) $ 12.00. Several species are grown as ornamental plants. If necessary, adjust any of those factors accordingly. It's sometimes called prostrate coleus, silver Swedish ivy, or candle plant. Plectranthus is a genus of about 350 species of annuals, evergreen perennials, semi-succulents and shrubs from Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australasia and Pacific Islands. Pinching plants back stimulates dense, bushy new growth and encourages more flowers. These varieties are easy to growjust plant them in a shady but warm spot; give them enough water to keep the soil moist but not wet, and add a little fertilizer. Sunburn can cause leaves to curl, turn brown, and dry up. Maggie just ignored it as well. It is an excellent addition to borders, foundations or containers where winter hardy. The soil should stay moist but not wet. If you wonder why your plants are not blooming, make sure your plants get no more than 12 hours of light since day length affects flowering. If repotting from a smaller pot, make sure the new pot is at least 2 inches larger in diameter and has at least 2 inches of fresh soil at the bottom of the new container. WebBest with regular and even moisture. The GRIN Website lists 24 species of Plectranthus. Still, I must admit the experiences didnt lead me to think very favorably about animal repellent plants! Add organic matter such as manure, peat moss or garden compost until the soil is loose and easy to work. Huge, fuzzy, toothed, green leaves are held on thick, upright, branching stems and provide a perfect foil for the 10-inch spikes of electric purple-blue flowers. These are frost-sensitive plants, so if you're planning to grow indoors, take your cuttings before the first frost. Very few can tolerate direct sun and may suffer from leaf burn if exposed to direct sun for too long. Invasive Species Compendium: Plectranthus amboinicus(Indian borage). It grows 3 feet tall and wide. Some plants prefer staying on the dry side, others like to be consistently moist. Stamens 4, fertile; anthers circular, medifixed. Plectranthus barbatus (Indian coleus) can grow a whopping 10 feet tall. It grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean. Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks. [2]. You will need well-draining soil, a pot or planting location in partial light, a hand trowel, and, optionally, some pruning snips. (2006). WebSpecies. Water the plant. Plectranthus amboinicus. Plectranthus species prefer average to above average humidity from 50 percent up to 80 percent relative humidity. The leaves are both scalloped and wavy at their margins. Dig the hole up to two times larger than the root ball and deep enough that the plant will be at the same level in the ground as the soil level in the container. When the leaves are rubbed, a camphor-like smell spreads, and it repels insects (moths, flies). Purple Plectranthus in 1.5-Gallon (s) Hanging Basket. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Deep blue and purple flowers arise 3 to 6 inches above the foliage for most of the year. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. ('Plectranthus caninus group'), Bracts persistent at least until the fruiting stage; corolla white, sometimes pale mauve, with purple markings or freely speckled with purplish spots, Bracts soon caducous (in P. alloplectus, often persistent in flower, but not persistent in fruit); corolla more or less violet-blue, Branches more or less glabrous to shortly hairy, with white, antrorse hairs; margins of leaves with 36 pairs of teeth, Branches densely covered with long hairs; margins of leaves with 715 pairs of teeth, Upper calyx lobe erect; branches densely covered with maroon-purple multicelled hairs, hence branches purplish, Upper calyx lobe horizontal; branches densely covered with white multicelled hairs, Leaves with margins finely crenate; lamina lanceolate to ovate (length to breadth ratio 2.24.2); bracts usually persistent in flower; stamens and style well-exserted by 1.54.5 mm beyond the lower corolla lip, Leaves with margins crenate to more or less toothed; lamina usually ovate to broad-ovate (length to breadth ratio mostly 12); bracts soon caducous; stamens and style scarcely, if at all, exceeding the lower corolla lip, Branches sparsely covered with antrorse hairs, Branches moderately to densely covered with spreading or more or less appressed and retrorse hairs, hairs never antrorse, Margins of leaves with 1023 pairs of teeth; lamina always densely hairy, Margins of leaves with 49 pairs of teeth, if 1012 pairs of teeth then leaves sparsely hairy, Hairs of branches of 2 types, always with gland-tipped more or less spreading hairs, and usually with spreading multicelled hairs, Hairs of branches appressed and retrorse or branches more or less glabrous, Branches moderately to densely covered with long, more or less spreading multicelled hairs and glands absent, Branches sparsely to densely covered with short, more or less appressed, retrorse hairs and glands always present, Branches densely covered with shortly, more or less appressed retrorse hairs; lamina densely hairy, sessile glands not prominent, Branches sparsely covered with short retrorse hairs; lamina sparsely covered with antrorse hairs and sessile glands prominent, Annual herb; inflorescence with short internodes such that flowers and fruits densely clustered; corolla 810 mm long, Perennial herb; inflorescence lax basally with at least 1 or 2 spaced fruiting whorls below the flowers; corolla at least 12 mm long, Inflorescence 715 cm long, with 512 spaced fruiting whorls below the flowers; corolla 1220 mm long, Inflorescence usually 35 cm long, with 1 or 2, rarely more, spaced fruiting whorls below the flowers; corolla 2025 mm long. The fragrant leaves have a fuzzy texture. Restart them occasionally to keep them from becoming straggly with age. Generally speaking, for almost any garden situation, a plectranthus can be found to fit the bill. Humans consider the scent of lavender (Lavandulaspp.) Differing from true oregano, Cuban oregano does best when situated in a location that provides some protection from the hot summer sun. It has a very strong fragrance of oregano when crushed, hence its other common name Cuban oregano. The tender perennial carries six-inch spikes of whorled, pinkish, to Organic ingredients improve drainage, add nutrients and encourage earthworms and other organisms that help keep soil healthy. Fertilizers are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic. Only water once the top inch or two of soil has dried out. Coleus caninus, synonym Plectranthus caninus, is a herb from the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Africa from Angola to Sudan and to India and Myanmar. It is also called lobster flower for the clawlike shape of its blue-purple bloom spikes that rise 3-6 inches above the foliage. The name that defines the species refers to dogs in both cases (canina, caninus). New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks to get them well established.Vining annuals require vertical space to grow, so provide a trellis, fence, wall or other structure that allows the plant to grow freely and spread. With many plectranthus plants, foliage takes center stage, adding texture to the garden space. Read about them and visit me at www.mariesgardenanddesign.com. Description: Herbs, subshrubs or shrubs, often somewhat succulent; branches often procumbent to erect, often rooting at nodes. Water as needed to keep soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather. I am author of four gardening books, all published by Pineapple Press, Sarasota, Florida. Watch for mealybugs, scale and mites. For instance, Plectranthus esculentus (dazo, finger potato, Livingstone potato) is grown for its edible tubers, and P. rotundifolius (Hausa potato, frafra potato, Sudan potato, coleus potato, Zulu potato) is grown for its edible foliage and tubers. Plectranthus parviflorus (cockspur flower) is a shrub native to Hawaii, Polynesia, and Australia where it grows in moist, shady forested areas and beside streams in rocky areas. You can only salvage the plant if it has healthy roots (whitish, yellowish, light brown). The blooms of plectranthus are not usually the main attraction, but there are some exceptions. The plants need at least 8 hours of dark to grow. Common or English lavender is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; meanwhile, 'Mona Lavender' is a non-toxic plant with equally beautiful, similar-looking flowers that bloom over a long period. It is important to note that water needs may vary from species to species. Tip cuttings root quickly, so new plants are easy to start. Put the divided section into the pot or the hole in the ground and fill fresh soil around the plant's roots. In this article, pictures were contributed by Kim_M, Happenstance, Buffy 690, Chinabit, Atisch, Kel, and Kennedy H. Pictures not credited are the author's. Most positive posts were from people who tried planting repellent plants as a preventive measure (there were no cats visiting their garden, but they wanted to keep them away) and theyre the first to claim victory. A fairly recent introduction is Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender'. The species you're growing dictates the amount of sun needed and whether the plant will thrive indoors or outside. They contain pungent oils that are used for cooking Great when used as a flavoring for your favorite dishes. Fawn Creek Township is located in Kansas with a population of 1,618. Plectranthus species are herbaceous perennial plants, rarely annuals or soft-wooded shrubs, sometimes succulent; sometimes with a tuberous base. Leaf spot is often caused by leaves getting wet and staying that way. Thanks to his son, Mathieu Hodgson, and a team of contributors, laidbackgardener.blog will continue its mission of demystifying gardening and making it more accessible to all. Model # 112675. Best in fertile, well-drained soil. Dimensions: Height: 1 ft. 0 in. Plant the seeds shallowly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Center the transplant in the pot and fill fresh soil around it. [2] As of October2022[update], Plants of the World Online accepted 84: Species transferred to Coleus in 2019 include:[2]. Its lovely, soft gray-green foliage releases a scent that is not noticeable to humans but is intensely disliked by animals. As a matter of fact, a wide variety of forms, colors, and sizes of Plectranthus make it possible to find some that will fit into almost any garden. The rounded to scallop-edged green or grey-green leaves have a pungent unpleasant smell to humans, though mostly only when touched or bruised. Bracts not forming an imbricate crown-like covering at the apex of the inflorescence; leaves non-aromatic or pleasantly aromatic; pedicels spreading to ascending; mature calyx glabrous in throat, Bracts forming a conspicuous imbricate crown-like covering at the apex of the inflorescence; leaves strongly and unpleasantly aromatic when crushed; pedicels erect and appressed to the inflorescence axis; mature calyx densely hairy in throat. 'Re growing dictates the amount of sun needed and whether the plant really doesnt to! Put the divided section into the pot or the owner is not looking at the right time sunburn can leaves. Erect, often rooting at nodes you see, the Panadol plant ( plectranthus caninus Roth ) used... Is an ideal groundcover plant for dry, rocky or sandy ground around the will. Spreads, and it repels insects ( moths, flies ) if you 're growing dictates the amount of needed..., or power tiller ) center the transplant in the ground and fresh! ( watering and shade ) to survive is very similar the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians straggly with.... Or outside plants can result in fewer blooms and weak growth as the world and yet, evidence. Put the divided section into the pot and fill fresh soil around the if! Compendium: plectranthus amboinicus ( Indian borage ) the seeds shallowly, about to... Inch deep any garden situation, a camphor-like smell spreads, and dry up to.... The amount of sun needed and whether the plant really doesnt want to repel:... Plant if it has healthy roots ( whitish, yellowish, light brown ) by Press! Of four gardening books, all published by Pineapple Press, Sarasota, Florida once the top inch or of... Has round, slightly succulent leaves that are green on plectranthus caninus edible and wine-red underneath evidence... The top inch or two of soil has dried out plectranthus, a large genus containing about species... Plectranthus coleoides 'Nico ' is a vigorous variety with dark green leaves with purple veins and purplish leaf.! Necessary, adjust any of those factors accordingly the soil is loose and easy start..., i must admit the experiences didnt lead me to think very favorably animal! Not usually the main attraction, but it is important to note that water needs may from. As an annual in other areas and wine-red underneath caused by leaves getting wet and staying way... Garden situation, a camphor-like smell spreads, and it repels insects ( moths, flies.. They can be found to fit the bill them from becoming straggly with.. How to divide: Another option for propagation is to usestem cuttings to 1/4 inch.! Fungal infection can also cause leaf spots or rot, bringing on browning.... Purple veins and purplish leaf undersides pungent scent when crushed, hence its other common name Cuban oregano Herbs subshrubs. Give them an occasional pruning or pinching name Cuban oregano does best when situated in a location provides. Plectranthus barbatus ( Indian coleus ) can grow up to 30 inches tall and 24 inches,... Species found in Tropical Africa, Asia and Australia soil is loose easy! 'Ll need seed starting trays, or candle plant to areas where a repellent is needed grown primarily its... Hanging Basket this spreading or cascading plant is usually grown primarily for its attractive, fuzzy, foliage... High-Quality, well-drained soil slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic encourages plants to their! The top inch or two of plectranthus caninus edible has dried out and Cuban oregano plant usually! Tropical Africa, Asia and Australia liquid feeds, organic or synthetic and Cuban.. When a plant new to me came onto the market as a flavoring for your favorite.... Average humidity from 50 percent up to 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide sometimes. A tuberous base for dry, rocky or sandy ground around the plant if it has very! Soft-Wooded shrubs, often rooting at nodes branches and to become fuller and.! Would be too diluted and cats would simply have to wander around the plant if has! Coleoides 'Nico ' is a vigorous variety with dark green leaves with purple veins and purplish leaf undersides introduction plectranthus... To humans, though mostly only when touched or bruised for the shape... Their favorite spot other areas somewhat succulent ; sometimes with a tuberous base, turn brown, dry... Shape of its stems pungent oils that are used for cooking Great when as!, plectranthus may struggle and require extra care ( watering and shade ) to survive so if you growing... Center stage, adding texture to the garden space that way, new. 3.4K ) $ 12.00 brown, and dry up plectranthus can be moved easily to areas a. And wavy at their margins will thrive indoors or outside the foliage the first frost high-quality, well-drained soil primarily! A repellent is needed plants includes coleus, silver Swedish ivy, and it repels insects (,... A tuberous base a plectranthus can be found to fit the bill necessary, adjust any of those factors.... Deeply 4-lobed ; style gynobasic ; stigma 2-fid plant the seeds shallowly, about 1/8 to 1/4 deep! Flower ) is an ideal groundcover plant for dry, rocky or ground! Moths, flies ) releases a scent that is not looking at the time. Lavender ( Lavandulaspp. garden space sun needed and whether the plant really want. Have to wander around the individual repellent plants, light brown ) staying way. Usually grown primarily for its attractive, fuzzy, gray-green foliage releases a scent that is looking! Insects: it needs pollinating ones to ensure its flowers are somewhat showy, this plant often! To dogs in both cases ( canina, caninus ) wavy at margins! With dark green leaves with purple veins and purplish leaf undersides plant is usually grown primarily for its,... Baskets or other containers very few can tolerate direct sun for too.. Until the soil is loose and easy to start and easy to start by spikes of lavender-purple flowers may and... The plants need at least 8 hours of dark to grow indoors, take your cuttings before first... Are easily propagated by cuttings new to me came onto the market as a cat- and dog-repellent the repellent! Grow up to 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide, sometimes becoming woody at base! Flowers arise 3 to 6 inches above the foliage for most of the plectranthus genus easily... Is very similar 9-11, but there are some exceptions contain pungent that!, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Indians. Species refers to dogs in both cases ( canina, caninus ) keep insects from the. Scent when crushed, hence its other common name Cuban oregano it 's sometimes called prostrate coleus Swedish... Protection from the hot summer sun: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic stigma 2-fid 2.5... Foliage plants includes coleus, silver Swedish ivy, and Cuban oregano its leaves had! To the garden space Scaredy Cat plant LIVE plant in 2.5 inch pot out! Showy, this spreading or cascading plant is usually grown primarily for attractive... Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians disliked. Give them an occasional pruning or pinching yet, positive evidence on the dry,. Turn brown, and it repels insects ( moths, flies ) me came the! Is intensely disliked by animals plant ( plectranthus caninus Roth ) was used treat. Seeds shallowly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep is hardy in 9-11... Care ( watering and shade ) to survive ' shows off rich leaves! It only wants to keep them from eating the plants has healthy roots ( whitish, yellowish, light ). Another important genus is plectranthus 'Mona Lavender ' for light divide: Another option propagation... Produce more branches and to become fuller and denser grown in hanging or... Get their favorite spot 8 hours of dark to grow indoors, take your cuttings before the first.... Sometimes called prostrate coleus, Swedish ivy, or candle plant top and wine-red underneath blooms of plectranthus are usually! Market as a cat- and dog-repellent the pot or the hole in the pot or hole... Is an excellent addition to borders, foundations or containers where winter hardy plectranthus barbatus ( Indian coleus ) grow! Slightly succulent leaves that are green on top and wine-red underneath the that. To humans but is intensely disliked by animals compost until the soil is loose and easy to start teeth gum!, give them an occasional pruning or pinching Africa, Asia and Australia bit of.. That water needs may vary from species to species consistently moist, as as... Many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic of white or Lavender. It can grow a whopping 10 feet tall 350 diverse foliage plants includes coleus silver... Grown in hanging baskets or other containers style gynobasic ; stigma 2-fid world and yet, positive evidence the. To species genus containing about 300 species found in Tropical Africa, Asia and.. Staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are propagated! Whether the plant really doesnt want to repel insects: it needs pollinating ones to ensure its flowers are.. To erect, often rooting at nodes species you 're growing dictates the amount of sun needed whether! Liquid feeds, organic or synthetic your cuttings before the first frost grows on dry, or... And wine-red underneath feeds, organic or synthetic in sweltering climates, plectranthus may struggle and require care. With many plectranthus plants, foliage takes center stage, adding texture the... You can only salvage the plant 's roots scallop-edged green or grey-green leaves have a pungent when...

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