Plant DetailShow Menu

Plants that fill a similar niche:
Salvia rosmarinus Rosmarinus officinalis
Soleirolia soleirolii Soleirolia soleirolii
Thymus vulgaris Thymus vulgaris
Plectranthus amboinicus has some common insect problems:
Mealybugs

Spanish Thyme Plectranthus amboinicus

Previously known as:

  • Coleus amboinicus
Phonetic Spelling
plek-TRAN-thus am-BOY-ni-kus
Description

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:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#succulent#culinary#fragrant leaves#frost tender#tropical herbaceous perennial#groundcover#edible garden#edible leaves#tropical feel#tropical#wet soils intolerant#shade intolerant#spice#perennial#herb garden
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#succulent#culinary#fragrant leaves#frost tender#tropical herbaceous perennial#groundcover#edible garden#edible leaves#tropical feel#tropical#wet soils intolerant#shade intolerant#spice#perennial#herb garden
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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