Plectranthus amboinicus
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Coleus amboinicus
- Phonetic Spelling
- plek-TRAN-thus am-BOY-ni-kus
- Description
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Indian borage is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It has a very strong fragrance of oregano when crushed, hence its other common name Cuban oregano.
The majority of the plants growth takes place in the spring and summer It prefers a hot and dry location for the best performance. Differing from true oregano, Cuban oregano does best when situated in a location that provides some protection from the hot summer sun. Full sun can burn the leaves.
It can be propagated in the springtime by division. Very easy to propagate by stem cuttings.
The leaves can be used fresh or dried. They contain pungent oils that are used for cooking Great when used as a flavoring for your favorite dishes. Dried leaves make a tasty tea. Drying the leaves is a challenge due to the high oil content in the foliage.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Spider mites and mealybugs can damage this plant.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Plectranthus
- Species:
- amboinicus
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Africa, Arabian Peninsula, India
- Wildlife Value:
- Bees are attracted to the leaves.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Easy to Grow
- Fragrance
- Edibility:
- The leaves are edible.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Horizontal
- Mounding
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Trumpet
- Tubular
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Small, insignificant flowers. Like other plants in the mint family, it does not set seeds.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Fleshy
- Velvety
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Other/more complex
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Crenate
- Dentate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The fragrant leaves have a fuzzy texture. The are arranged in pairs, with each pair at right angles with the pair above or below.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Description:
- Its stems are thick and square. Young plants will have succulent stems that become semi-woody as the plant ages. The stems grow outward from the center of the plant, making a great groundcover.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Pool/Hardscape
- Slope/Bank
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
