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Photo by Forest & Kim Starr

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Plectranthus amboinicus

Also Known As

Coleus aromaticus
Plectranthus aromaticus
Solenostemon aromaticus
Cuban Oregano
Indian Borage
Mexican Mint
Spanish Thyme

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 15"-18"

planting zones

9b-11

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Plectranthus amboinicus plant details

Plectranthus amboinicus is a broadleaf evergreen perennial herb with blue and green foliage. In spring and winter lavender, pink and purple flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Plectranthus amboinicus

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 15 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender, pink and purple blooms in spring and winter
Uses: container plant, fragrant, fragrant foliage, houseplant, serrated leaves, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Plectranthus amboinicus

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional

Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Cuban Oregano is a semi-succulent plant within the mint family that makes an attractive groundcover. A very unique, water-wise plant that is surprisingly low maintenance. With a pungent oregano-like flavor, Cuban Oregano is used for various culinary purposes ranging from stuffings to chutneys. Native to southern Africa, this plant is moderately cold hardy. For those who get some regular frost, this fast growing plant would make a great annual herb. Cold hardy to USDA zone 9a and above, or to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

By: Wanderlust Nursery

Spanish Broadleaf Thyme - a mounding tender perennial growing to 14 inches with stunning green broadleaf fleshy all green leaves ...used in cooking.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

An succulent herb called Cuban oregano that looks like coleus with its variegated leaves on stiff stems. In fact Coleus aromaticus is a synonym for this tender perennial, to 12-18" tall and wide, with rose colored flowers in spring, though grown primarily for the foliage. Sun to part shade with regular summer water. Frost hardy only to 20 °F, USDA zone 9, so either enjoy for the summer or use in a pot.

By: Cistus Nursery

A tender fleshy perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae with an oregano-like flavor and odor.

By: Kara Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Plectranthus amboinicus

Photo of Plectranthus amboinicus foliage by Forest & Kim Starr

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By: Forest & Kim Starr

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

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Photo of Plectranthus amboinicus foliage by Eigenmusic

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By: Eigenmusic

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Gardening facts about Plectranthus amboinicus plant

How to Grow Plectranthus amboinicus

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly shade
Water Needs
- even moisture - occasional
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained
- rich

Features

Foliage Color
- green
- blue
Flower Color
- pink
- lavender
- purple
Flower Season
- winter
- spring
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Texture
- fuzzy

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Plectranthus for your garden

Isodon longitubus

aka Plectranthus effusus var. longitubus, Plectranthus longituba, Plectranthus longitubus, Rabdosia longituba, Long-tubed Trumpet Spurflower, Trumpet Spurflower