Plectranthus amboinicus aka Indian Borage
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Plectranthus amboinicus is a tender, fleshy and pleasantly aromatic evergreen subshrub that grows with small ovate gray green leaves, which have dentate margins and a velvety texture. It is an easy and fast growing perennial herb. The small violet-colored flowers appear on a short inflorescence from fall into winter and sometimes through mid spring.
This herb has been used to treat inflammatory diseases, treat coughs, relieve swelling and aid skin conditions. It also shows potential in helping arthritis symptoms. It is cultivated in home gardens in India and used there in traditional medicine. It is used as a spice in many countries.
There is also a variegated form of this plant.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Coleus aromaticus, Coleus amboinicus, Plectranthus aromaticus
Common Names: Indian Borage, Borage, Mexican Mint, Cuban Oregano, Mother of Herbs, Spanish Thyme, Soup Mint, Broadleaf Thyme
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Plectranthus amboinicus is native from Kenya to South Africa (northern KwaZulu-Natal), where it grows in open grasslands and within succulent thickets on rocky outcrops and cliff faces.
Size Label: One-gallon
Height: 1-2′
Width: 1-2′
Cold Tolerance: 20 to 25°F, -6.6 to -3.8°C
Heat Tolerance: Good heat tolerance
Light Requirement: Tolerates full sun but prefers dappled shade.
Water needs: Drought-tolerant
Maintenance: Prune and remove spent flower stalks as desired.
Uses: This plant makes a nice windowsill plant or houseplant with aromatic foliage and has an oregano-like flavor and can be used to flavor food. In near frost-free zones it is an evergreen perennial that works well in mixed beds or as a ground cover.
Propagation: This plant can easily be grown from seed or stem cuttings and large clumps can be divided in spring before new growth begins.
Problems: Occasional problem with spider mites and mealy bugs when grown as a houseplant.
Special notes: Plectranthus amboinicus is a tender, fleshy and pleasantly aromatic evergreen subshrub that grows with small ovate gray green leaves, which have dentate margins and a velvety texture. It is an easy and fast growing perennial herb. The small violet-colored flowers appear on a short inflorescence from fall into winter and sometimes through mid spring. This herb has been used to treat inflammatory diseases, treat coughs, relieve swelling and aid skin conditions. It also shows potential in helping arthritis symptoms. It is cultivated in home gardens in India and used there in traditional medicine. It is used as a spice in many countries. There is also a variegated form of this plant.
Research Links:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1356/
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?cat_id=14&plant_id=3810&page=10
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plectranthus_amboinicus
http://www.finegardening.com/mexican-mint-plectranthus-amboinicus
Shipping & Availability
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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