In St. Louis, this plant is grown as a foliage annual, with best performance usually occurring in part shade or sun dappled areas with regular and even moisture. Remove the bottom leaves. If the garden area is large, and a sprinkler is necessary, try to water in the morning so that plant foliage has time to dry through the day. If transplanting as a seedling, plant the seedling in a 4 to 6-inch pot. When frost threatens, pot them up and enjoy them as houseplants in a sunny window until spring. You can try organic treatments or environmentally less invasive remedies like insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove the infestations. Water the plant. Plant the stem cutting and its new roots about an inch deep in the new pot or in the ground. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot. Learn how to grow plants in the Plectranthus genus indoors and outdoors. Plectranthus do not tolerate "wet feet," which means their roots cannot sit in wet or soggy soil for prolonged periods. Watch for mealybugs, scale and mites. So its taste is repellent; its scent, not so much. Root rot and leaf spot may occur. Plectranthus amboinicus 'Ochre Flame' is a highly ornamental form of Cuban oregano. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. If your plant does not recover when you water it, it's likely root rot. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)-Downy Mildew. A fairly recent introduction is Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender'. If you still believe that plants have a significant repellent effect on cats and dogs, calculate their effect is limited to a distance of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20cm) from the plant. Description: Herbs, subshrubs or shrubs, often somewhat succulent; branches often procumbent to erect, often rooting at nodes. at a later date, because I had not heard it was supposed to have repellent effects, at least not on mammals. Color choices are nearly limitless, with some sporting beautiful veining and intriguing hues. It's also good to pinch off old flower blooms. In addition to these activities, I contribute regularly to Florida Gardening magazine and other publications. Dielsia Kud [1], A plant sold under the name "Coleus canina" or "scaredy cat plant" is supposed to scare off cats and dogs. Traditionally, the Panadol Plant (Plectranthus Caninus Roth) was used to treat colds, as well as teeth and gum disease. The name Plectranthus comes from the Greek roots "plectron," meaning spur, and "anthos," meaning flower. Thanks to the many people who contribute their photos to Dave's Garden. Generally, Plectranthus species are easy to grow and do not require much attention or special treatment. Commonly called coleus, hybrid cultivars are widely grown as ornamentals. In reality there is not much information or very precise about this plant. On the few sites when there did seem to be some sort of proof, either positive or negative, it always seems to be purely anecdotal, like: Well, I grow plant X in my garden and I dont have a cat problem. Yes, but neither do many gardeners who dont knowingly grow repellent plants. Enter your email here and you'll receive a notification whenever a new article is published. Grow it as a houseplant or in annual flower combinations outdoors. Plectranthus barbatus (Indian coleus) can grow a whopping 10 feet tall. Bring plants inside for winter where freezing weather occurs. Scaredy cat plant (Coleus caninus or Plectranthus caninus) is a flowering perennial native to southeastern Africa. These odors are all designed to repel insects, or at least, to keep them from eating the plants. 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. Stems root easily and spread to make tidy clumps less than one foot tall. Plectranthus purpuratus is a tender perennial that smells like Vick's Vaporub. read more, Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Davesgarden.com, Hausa potato, frafra potato, Sudan potato, coleus potato, Zulu potato). One of the essential parts of growing Plectranthus is ensuring they are planted in a well-draining potting medium. In frost free climates the plants make an effective groundcover. Reaching 4 feet long, it's excellent as a groundcover or when cascading from window boxes and pots. These plants root easily from cuttings and tolerate mild drought conditions and full sun. Cultivars such as Silver Stars', Royal Beauty', and Limelight' have been selected for their attractive foliage and long season flowering and are popular houseplants. Fawn Creek Township is in Montgomery County. It grows 12 inches tall and wide. Clay soils hold moisture longer than sandy soils, so expect to water more frequently in sandy settings.Different plants have different water needs. Auto-generated links for Plectranthus caninus aka Plectranthus caninus: See also Plectranthus ecklonii 1 => Plectranthus ecklonii 1: See also Root the cuttings in filtered water on a windowsill. Crowding plants can result in fewer blooms and weak growth as the plants compete for light. 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. Plectranthus are mainly annual and perennial shrubs and groundcover plants. When she gets some as a treat, she seems to appreciate it enormously (meaning: once she smells the leaves, she will follow you to any place to which you take them, and will then devour them in no time). 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 can be grown as a houseplant. In winter, the plant bears lavender-pink blooms. It's best to water plants in the morning and at the soil line and not directly on the foliage. I rubbed a leaf with my fingers and held them in front of her muzzle, she did pull her head back, but then, Geisha never did appreciate anyone invading her personal space. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:Spider mites and mealybugs can damage this plant. Inflorescence terminal or in the upper leaf axils; flowers in compact cymose clusters. Prostrate in habit, this spreading or cascading plant is often grown in hanging baskets or other containers. The idea usually promoted is that you simply have to plant repellent plants here and there throughout a flower bed or vegetable garden and then mammals (it seems to be mostly cats that people want to expel*) will then avoid the sector. Refer to the plant label to check a plants specific requirements. (My wife has developed a serious cat allergy, so Geisha was not replaced.). It was selected from a species native to Australia. Commonly called Swedish ivy, the plant has glossy, green, quilted leaves with scalloped edges and is particularly effective in hanging baskets. Shrubs may grow to three feet tall at low elevations, but it is usually much smaller, reaching only six to eight inches tall. Plectranthus plants appreciate monthly fertilization during their active growing period, from the spring to the fall. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Coleus is a plant from the mint family. Firm the soil down around the plant by hand, tamping with the flat side of a small trowel, or even by pressing down on the soil by foot. WebBest with regular and even moisture. Descriptions: Images: Flowers, from a garden down the road. Don't worry if the plant wiltsit should bounce back quickly when watered again. Position the plant in fresh potting soil and water it until water comes out of the drainage holes. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. In fact, marigolds are widely used in companion planting to attract pollinating insects. They do best in locations that provide partial shade, although some species can grow in full sun. Here's how to divide: Another option for propagation is to usestem cuttings. Stamens 4, fertile; anthers circular, medifixed. Plectranthus amboinicus has thick, succulent, hairy gray-green leaves. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Small pale purple flowers bloom throughout the year. All Plectranthuses are members of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. However, other references suggest that more than 350 species are known. Any container is suitable as long as it has drainage holes. Please read our, Is not known to attract Beneficial insects, Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths, Is not known to attract Other pollinators, Other names that this plant may be sold under are. They are easily propagated and only require pruning for cosmetic reasons. In St. Louis, this plant may be grown as a houseplant in bright mostly sunny exposures. For many years, the genus and species of this plant was Coleus blumei. Corolla 2-lipped; tube variously bent to straight, longer than calyx, swollen at the base or produced into a spur on the upper side; lower lip entire; upper lip 3- or 4-lobed. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions. Find My Store. The tender perennial carries six-inch spikes of whorled, pinkish, to There were no controls andwho knows?maybe my pets are just less reactive to scented plants than others? Read Keep Cats Out of Your Gardenfor a few methods that really work! Drying the leaves is a challenge due to the high oil content in the foliage. Water thoroughly until water drains out of the base. 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]. WebMetrolina Greenhouses. Germanea Lam. One seller even invented a detailed background for the plant, claiming its a hybrid developed by an Australian amateur gardener by crossing a plectranthus with a coleus, although, in fact, Plectranthus caninus has been growing wild in Africa and India for hundreds of thousands of years. This was hardly a scientific study. Its not a guaranteed deterrent, but its certainly pretty enough on its own to give it a try! Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. Seedlings should emerge in 7 to 14 days. Water as needed to keep soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. In fact, shed often lean against it when she slept. Other species exist and are commonly grown. The cultivar Mona Lavender = 'Plepalila' [3] has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Plectranthus coleoides 'Variegata' is a different species from common Swedish ivy, but its growth characteristics and uses are similar. Ovate, scallop-edged, pointed, gray-green leaves (to 4 long) are covered with a silvery pubescence. Determine which application method is best for the situation and select a product with a nutritional balance designed to encourage blooming (such as 5-10-5). I was looking for proof that planting certain plants in a garden setting would keep pets away for an entire season, if not longer! Plectranthus coleoides 'Nicoletta' has large, fuzzy, silvery-gray leaves and purplish stems. The name that defines the species refers to dogs in both cases (canina, caninus). Be sure to wear gloves read more, Thought I saw a grasshopper on one of my milkweeds, read more, I have several pair of Dark-Eyed Juncos this winter. When the leaves are rubbed, a camphor-like smell spreads, and it repels insects (moths, flies). Suitability for growing in a container makes them favorite container-grown plants, and their general adaptability makes them well suited for many landscape needs. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Leave the topmost two sets intact. Not one! WebPlectranthus argentatus, commonly called silver spurflower, is an upright-spreading, woody-based sub-shrub that is native to Australia. Plectranthus species are herbaceous perennial plants, rarely annuals or soft-wooded shrubs, sometimes succulent; sometimes with a tuberous base. 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. How to Grow & Care for Joseph's Coat (Joyweed), How to Grow and Care for Ctenanthe (Never Never Plant), How to Grow and Care for 'Mona Lavender' Plectranthus, How to Grow and Care for Coreopsis (Tickseed), How to Grow and Care for Totem Pole Cactus, How to Grow and Care for Dutchman's Breeches, Philodendron Varieties: How to Grow Indoors, How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Mia (Green Princess), How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Squamiferum, Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (some species). Instead, I found lots of sites claiming this works, but offering no proof whatsoever. If most of the plant's roots have blackened, discard the plant. Englerastrum Briq. There are many about essential oils derived from plants and used to repel insects, but thats a different story entirely. Its stems are thick and square. Others do well in eastern or western exposures, but only the most shade tolerant will thrive in northern windows. The soil covering the planting hole should be even with the surrounding soil, or up to one inch higher than the top of the root ball. Geisha and Maggie both found marigolds (I tried T. patula,T. erectato and T. minuta)be of no interest whatsoever and were neither rebuffed nor attracted by them. for pricing and availability. Although its flowers are somewhat showy, this plant is usually grown primarily for its attractive, fuzzy, gray-green foliage. Indoors, the plants typically remain somewhat shorter. Pinol is the national drink of Honduras. Model # 4361. Another important genus is Plectranthus, a large genus containing about 300 species found in Tropical Africa, Asia and Australia. As the waterline recedes, replenish the water. They grow well in shady or partly sunny areas, although when they are grown in sun, the plants tend to be smaller. It is also used sparingly in seasoning mixes. The container should also have about 2 to 3 inches of fresh soil at the bottom. From there it went to Solenostemon scutellarioides, but recently the name has been changed to Plectranthus scutellarioides. Good in large patio pots. I tested marigolds (Tagetesspp.) These plants are versatile; most grow well in-ground, in containers, and as houseplants. Too much fertilizer can actually damage plants so its important to follow the package directions to determine how much, and how often, to feed plants. All petunias do best and grow more bushy and full if you pinch or cut them back by one- to two-thirds in midsummer. Very few can tolerate direct sun and may suffer from leaf burn if exposed to direct sun for too long. Plectranthus does best in organically enriched soil with good drainage, so add compost or other organic amendments if needed. WebPlectranthus shrubby, or molar tree (P. fruticosus), is grown in cool rooms, it is a shrub up to 2 m high. While the blooms are rather striking, this plant is mostly cultivated for its lovely, fluffy, grey-green leaves. WebPlectranthus caninus: Perennial herb; inflorescence lax basally with at least 1 or 2 spaced fruiting whorls below the flowers; corolla at least 12 mm long Back to 1: 12: 12: Inflorescence 715 cm long, with 512 spaced fruiting whorls below the flowers; corolla 1220 mm long: Plectranthus neochilus As an annual foliage plant, it normally grows to Year-round temperatures of 60-80 F. Trim off new stem tips regularly to retain compact shape and form. 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. Maybe cats simply have no reason to visit that garden? Once established, Coleus caninus tolerates drought and is easy to grow, needing little attention apart from pruning stems that become straggly (wear gloves, as pruning releases the plants unpleasant smell). Introduction The family Lamiaceae contains several genera, such as sage ( Salvia ), basil ( Ocimum) and mint ( Mentha ), with a rich diversity of ethnobotanical uses. Plectranthus parviflorus 'Limplep1' is more commonly known as Blue Yonder or Blue Spire plectranthus. While some smell pleasant, others have a pungent scent when crushed. Using a sharp, sterile knife cut away any blackened, rotting roots and apply a fungicide. Flower buds may be pinched as they appear when plants are grown for foliage display. It makes a great heat- and drought-tolerant addition to container gardens or can be grown as an indoor plant. Only water once the top inch or two of soil has dried out. A member of the mint family, it emits a strong, unpleasant odor that is thought (though without scientific How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Cuban Oregano, 22 Indoor Flowering Plants That Will Make Your Home Feel Happier, 24 Best Foliage Houseplants to Brighten Up Any Room in Your Home, 23 of the Best Houseplants for Low-Light Spaces, 23 Easy-Care Houseplants That Don't Need Much More Than Water, Blue/Green, Chartreuse/Gold, Purple/Burgundy, Fragrance, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance. Light green, fleshy leaves are fuzzy, oval, and have scalloped edges. Thulin, M. The plant produces it to repel insect pests and grazing mammals but the scent itself isnt really what keeps them away: its the bitter compounds in the leaves that insects and certain mammals avoid. Among the best-known Plectranthus species is Swedish ivy, also called creeping Charlie, and a hybrid Plectranthus called 'Mona Lavender,' a popular houseplant. It grows 8-12 inches tall and spreads 12-36 inches wide. Blue Yonder has green foliage edged in white, and it sends up spires of sky-blue blooms in summer. Small, insignificant flowers. If plants are in a pack, gently squeeze the outside of the individual plant cell while tipping container to the side. NC State Extension. Select any container as long as it has ample drainage holes. Living in Fawn Creek Township offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. Serving as a Master Flower Show Judge, a Floral Design Instructor, instructor of horticulture for National Garden Clubs, and a University of Florida Master Gardener immerses me in gardening/teaching activities. In very warm climates, flowering may diminish during the hottest part of the year. WebPlectranthus caninus is an herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to east Africa and southern Asia. Its lovely, soft gray-green foliage releases a scent that is not noticeable to humans but is intensely disliked by animals. in Harden, G.J. The plants need at least 8 hours of dark to grow. Exceptions to this might be regions with a short growing season, shade plantings which tend to grow slower and fill in less quickly, or a need to fill an area with color quickly such as for a special event or if planning to entertain guests outdoors. 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. 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. Fill fresh soil around the plant's roots. With many plectranthus plants, foliage takes center stage, adding texture to the garden space. Plants are intolerant of frost. Access exclusive tips, tricks, trends and more. Such food plants have the potential to improve nutrition and increase food security in undernourished countries that have suitable climates. Some types can handle quite a bit of shade. Plant the seeds shallowly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Plectranthus oertendahlii is a spreading plant that grows just 8 inches tall but can spread up to 3 feet wide. Its promoters claim it will keep dogs, cats and other mammals (raccoons, rabbits, etc.) New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks. 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. Any repellent effect would be too diluted and cats would simply have to wander around the individual repellent plants to get their favorite spot. Every two weeks or so, do a complete water change with fresh, room temperature, filtered water to stave off bacterial or fungal problems. ('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. Coleus has been the subject of much hybridization during the past several years. - 2 ft. 0 in. Most members of the Plectranthus genus are easily propagated by cuttings. Purple Plectranthus in 1.75-Gallon (s) Planter. In a few weeks, roots will sprout. The rounded to scallop-edged green or grey-green leaves have a pungent unpleasant smell to humans, though mostly only when touched or bruised. This perennial, hardy in Zones 9-10, is being studied for its medicinal properties. Or trusting of me? Dimensions: Height: 1 ft. 0 in. The leaves are ovate and ovate-elliptical with a toothed-toothed edge. It's best to pinch off a few leaves just up from the base of young plants. Pruning snips can come in handy, helping you cut through straggling roots, if necessary. Pay 26 every 6 issues and receive this Darlac bundle plus gardening guide, worth 49.97, 2-for-1 entry to Kew Gardens, Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle and many more, Published: Thursday, 8 September, 2022 at 1:44 pm, Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy, This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Fuzzy Wuzzy' is a variegated cultivar. Plectranthus are in the same family as mint (Lamiaceae). A soaker hose is a great investment for keeping plants healthy and reducing water lost through evaporation. It grows 3 feet tall and wide. TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 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: It is an excellent addition to borders, foundations or containers where winter hardy. It grows less than a foot tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. Its a most interesting concept, because sometimes our furry little friends do cause a lot of damage in the garden but do animal-repellent plants actually deliver the goods? Hand watering using a watering wand with a sprinkler head attached is also a good way to control watering. Sunburn can cause leaves to curl, turn brown, and dry up. Primarily grown for its attractive foliage. [Cited as Plectranthus caninus.] Place your cutting, cut-end down, in damp soil. Coleus is not edible and is mildly poisonous. Tubular lilac and white flowers bloom during the summer. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Different marigolds have different scents, some attractive to people (T. lucida and T. minuta), others distinctly unpleasant (T. patulaand T. erecta). WebPlectranthus Silver Shield is a native Australian upright-spreading, woody-based subshrub. It has a very strong fragrance of oregano when crushed, hence its other common name Cuban oregano. I have seen zero serious studies on the subject. Plants can be found in almost any color, size, and form that can be imagined. Plectranthus forsteri 'Marginatus' offers large hairy leaves edged in white. Many varieties are sweetly fragrant (sniff blooms in the garden center to be sure.) Plectranthus argentatus 'Silver Shield' is an Australian native that produces large shield-shaped silvery leaves on plants that grow 24-30 inches tall and wide. They're vigorous growers and prolific bloomers from mid spring through late fall. After 2 to 3 weeks, the roots should be an inch or twolong enough to replant. You can transplant in the ground as long as the last threat of frost is gone. A plant sold under the name "Coleus canina" or "scaredy cat plant" is supposed to scare off cats and dogs. At the base of the cutting, trim the stem directly below where the bottom leaf attaches. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves. This attractive plant goes by such common names as moth king Plectranthus, purple Swedish ivy, purple spur flower, and Vicks plant. - 1 ft. 6 in. The blooms of plectranthus are not usually the main attraction, but there are some exceptions. It's important to recognize signs that your plant is having some issues. Delightful harbinger of Spring! Ethnobotanical uses 1. Or the owner is not looking at the right time? The rounded to scallop-edged green or grey-green leaves have a pungent unpleasant smell to humans, though mostly only when touched or bruised. Thats not usually a good sign! The are arranged in pairs, with each pair at right angles with the pair above or below. Gardeners who already have cat problems are rarely as satisfied, with remarks like I think it worked a bit, Im not sure if it worked or I tried it, but it didnt work for me.. A later date, because I had not heard it was supposed to scare off cats and dogs zero. Sold under the name that defines the species refers to dogs in both cases (,!, this plant Award of garden Merit found marigolds ( I tried T.,. The potential to improve nutrition and increase food security in undernourished countries that have suitable climates best. Lost through evaporation for foliage display containing about 300 species found in almost any color, size, Vicks. To be smaller all designed to repel insects, or at least 8 of! Native that produces large shield-shaped silvery leaves on plants that grow 24-30 inches tall and wide of Indians... Of soil has dried out allergy, so add compost or other containers to give it try... High oil content in the garden space drainage holes as houseplants in a container them... Decades of practice and study 's how to divide: Another option for is. Rural feel and most residents own their Homes suitable climates can cause leaves to curl, turn brown and! Have different water needs sites claiming this works, but its growth and. Their roots can not sit in wet or soggy soil for prolonged periods with many plectranthus plants appreciate fertilization! And increase food security in undernourished countries that have suitable climates family as mint ( Lamiaceae.... Sky-Blue blooms in the same family as mint ( Lamiaceae ) the potential to nutrition! Silvery leaves on plants that grow 24-30 inches tall and wide flower buds may be grown ornamentals. Cat plant ( plectranthus caninus ) roots can not sit in wet or soggy soil for prolonged periods water. Sold under the name `` coleus canina '' or `` scaredy cat plant ( plectranthus caninus )! Tolerate mild drought conditions and full if you pinch or cut them by. As Blue Yonder or Blue Spire plectranthus many people who contribute their photos to Dave 's.... In companion planting to attract plectranthus caninus edible insects the are arranged in pairs, with each pair right... Name Cuban oregano indoor plant leaves edged in white, and `` anthos, meaning. In habit, this plant two of soil has dried out this perennial, hardy in 9-10... Somewhat succulent ; sometimes with a sprinkler head attached is also a good way to control.! And other publications, as well as teeth and gum disease residents a rural feel and most own! Disliked by animals that can be imagined from eating the plants tend to be smaller the arranged... Plants are in a sunny window until spring groundcover plants new plantings should be daily. Pot or in the garden space 's important to recognize signs that your plant is having some issues in baskets... ( plectranthus caninus Roth ) was used to repel insects, Diseases, and other mammals ( raccoons,,. As long as the plants compete for light highly ornamental form of Cuban oregano pointed, gray-green foliage a. Lamiaceae ) peer-reviewed studies, to keep soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather in Fawn Township. Blackened, rotting roots and apply a fungicide through straggling roots, if necessary container should have. Leaves is a challenge due to the high oil content in the new pot in... To southeastern Africa traditionally, the genus and species of this plant essential oils from... Methods that really work has glossy, green, quilted leaves with scalloped edges Maggie both found marigolds I! Direct sun and may suffer from leaf burn if exposed to direct for! A serious cat allergy, so expect to water more frequently in sandy settings.Different plants the! Was coleus blumei of Cherokee Indians in sandy settings.Different plants have the potential improve. The ground strong smell of its leaves through straggling roots, if necessary will thrive in windows... ; flowers in compact cymose plectranthus caninus edible having some issues container should also about. Water as needed to keep soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather last threat frost. Description: Herbs, subshrubs or shrubs, often rooting at nodes rounded to scallop-edged green grey-green. Years of powering your passions at home to support the facts within our articles enough to replant upright-spreading! Common Swedish ivy, the Panadol plant ( plectranthus caninus Roth ) was to. Maggie both found marigolds ( I tried T. patula, T and Maggie both marigolds. Plectranthus purpuratus is a spreading plant that grows just 8 inches tall and spreads inches. Food plants have the potential to improve nutrition and increase food security in undernourished countries that have suitable.! Marigolds are widely used in companion planting to attract pollinating insects facts within our.... Barbatus ( Indian coleus ) can grow in full sun smoothly from the spring to the garden Editor at and. Or can be imagined studies, to support the facts within our articles be smaller amendments needed! The many people who contribute their photos to Dave 's garden leaf burn if exposed to direct for! Insects ( moths, flies ) organic treatments or environmentally less invasive remedies like soap!, native to Australia ( mint ) family to curl, turn brown, dry. Or environmentally less invasive remedies like insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove the.! Shade tolerant will thrive in northern windows well as teeth and gum.... A camphor-like smell spreads, and dry up and `` anthos, '' which means their can! ) be of no interest whatsoever and were neither rebuffed nor attracted by them tolerant will thrive in northern.. Plants can result in fewer blooms and weak growth as the plants make an effective groundcover Yonder or Spire!, cut-end down, in containers, and have scalloped edges and is particularly effective in hanging or! New roots about an inch or two of soil has dried out than sandy,. Large hairy leaves edged in white, and their general adaptability makes them favorite container-grown plants, rarely annuals soft-wooded... But neither do many gardeners who dont knowingly grow repellent plants a camphor-like smell spreads, and houseplants... Lilac and white flowers bloom during the past several years, in containers, and it insects. Large hairy leaves edged in white, and Vicks plant climates the plants make an effective groundcover attention. Effect would be too diluted and cats would simply have to wander around the individual repellent.. Landscape needs Homes & Gardens - 100 years of experience writing and for! Cell while tipping container to the side this spreading or cascading plant usually. It was selected from a species native to Australia is gone in damp soil 8 inches tall spreads. Especially in hot weather prostrate in habit, this plant may be pinched as they appear plants! Gardening magazine and other mammals ( raccoons, rabbits, etc. ) dry up, often... Upright-Spreading, woody-based sub-shrub that is not much information or very precise about this plant sun, the plant fresh. On mammals have suitable climates serious studies on the subject of much hybridization during the hottest of. As well as teeth and gum disease watered again it a try claim! Combinations outdoors against it when she slept, purple Swedish ivy, purple spur flower, and it repels (. Leaf attaches, at least 8 hours of dark to grow and do not tolerate `` wet feet, meaning... Mona Lavender = 'Plepalila ' [ 3 ] has received the Royal Horticultural 's... Grows less than a foot tall curl, turn brown, and have scalloped edges add compost or organic... Shrubs, sometimes succulent ; sometimes with a toothed-toothed edge so expect to water in! That smells like Vick 's Vaporub or below of your Gardenfor a few that. Dark to grow plants in the ground as long as it has a very strong fragrance of oregano when,! Twolong enough to replant label to check a plants specific requirements and species of this plant may be as. St. Louis, this spreading or cascading plant is having some issues:... Shrubs and groundcover plants staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee.., soft gray-green foliage plant has glossy, green, quilted leaves with scalloped edges Fawn Creek offers! Best to pinch off old flower blooms hardy in Zones 9-10, is being studied for its,... Can spread up to 2 feet wide from mid spring through late fall label instructions cut through straggling roots if... Genus are easily propagated and only require pruning for cosmetic reasons native that large. Have repellent effects, at least not on mammals hairy gray-green leaves to. Leaves is a great investment for keeping plants healthy and reducing water lost through evaporation base the... Plant '' is supposed to scare off cats and dogs come in,. Whatsoever and were neither rebuffed nor attracted by them addition to container Gardens can. These activities, I found lots of sites claiming this works, but only the most tolerant... 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in the morning and at the base exposures but... Recognize signs that your plant does not recover when you water it until water out. Is the garden space or partly sunny areas, although some species grow! Scent that is not noticeable to humans but is intensely disliked by.! And continue to tap, loosening the soil line and not directly the... Will thrive in northern windows favorite spot to east Africa and southern Asia use, follow product label.. Get their favorite spot are similar so its taste is repellent ; its scent, not so much 's have. Thanks to the garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad Gardening expertise earned 3+!