WebPlectranthus caninus is an herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to east Africa and southern Asia. Year-round temperatures of 60-80 F. Trim off new stem tips regularly to retain compact shape and form. Plectranthus plants flower multiple times a year, flowering mainly at the end of the season, during the year's shortest days in winter-hardy zones, or in cool summer climates. Many claims, little evidence? 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. Plectranthus tomentosa is also called mentholatum plant because of the aroma it gives off when brushed. These are frost-sensitive plants, so if you're planning to grow indoors, take your cuttings before the first frost. Webdatasets have provided data to the Atlas of Living Australia for this species. An excellent bedding plant, plectranthus foliage adds color when flowering plants may not be in bloom. 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.. Good in large patio pots. The blooms of plectranthus are not usually the main attraction, but there are some exceptions. As an annual foliage plant, it typically grows to 2-3' tall and to 3' wide. Description: Herbs, subshrubs or shrubs, often somewhat succulent; branches often procumbent to erect, often rooting at nodes. Symphostemon Hiern, Plectranthus is a genus of about 85 species of flowering plants from the sage family, Lamiaceae, found mostly in southern and tropical Africa and Madagascar. Seedlings should emerge in 7 to 14 days. Drying the leaves is a challenge due to the high oil content in the foliage. She's worked in research for nearly two decades. It can be grown as a houseplant in a sunny window. The genus has round, slightly succulent leaves that are green on top and wine-red underneath. Cultivars such as Silver Stars', Royal Beauty', and Limelight' have been selected for their attractive foliage and long season flowering and are popular houseplants. Any repellent effect would be too diluted and cats would simply have to wander around the individual repellent plants to get their favorite spot. Plectranthus is a genus of about 350 species of annuals, evergreen perennials, semi-succulents and shrubs from Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australasia and Pacific Islands. Read articles about: Houseplants, Indoor Plants, Plectranthus, Tropicals. As for Maggie (the dog), she was harder to test, being naturally more excitable, but seemed to show no special reaction when I held a branch in front of her. There are many about essential oils derived from plants and used to repel insects, but thats a different story entirely. Sometimes called Spanish thyme, Mexican thyme, and Indian borage, the aromatic, edible leaves have a flavor suggestive of a combination of oregano and thyme. It makes an easy-care houseplant or a low-maintenance herb. Best in fertile, well-drained soil. Residents of Fawn Creek Township tend to be conservative. From there it went to Solenostemon scutellarioides, but recently the name has been changed to Plectranthus scutellarioides. Its stems are thick and square. Don't worry if the plant wiltsit should bounce back quickly when watered again. grandis has a rare variegated form that sports lime green leaves with darker center veins and cream-colored margins. This family of 350 diverse foliage plants includes coleus, Swedish ivy, and Cuban oregano. Purple Plectranthus in 1.5-Gallon (s) Hanging Basket. by Marie Harrison (can2grow) June 10, 2011. TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. In cold climates or snowy winters, Plectranthus will die back but may come back in the warmer spring months, depending on the species. If you wonder why your plants are not blooming, make sure your plants get no more than 12 hours of light since day length affects flowering. Harden off or slowly acclimate the seedling to the temperature and sun conditions outdoors by setting out the plant for an hour each day, increasing an hour each day over a week. Maybe cats simply have no reason to visit that garden? Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Generally speaking, for almost any garden situation, a plectranthus can be found to fit the bill. Its not a guaranteed deterrent, but its certainly pretty enough on its own to give it a try! The name that defines the species refers to dogs in both cases (canina, caninus). The leaves are both scalloped and wavy at their margins. These plants are versatile; most grow well in-ground, in containers, and as houseplants. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This encourages good branching early on and helps create a bushy plant. A number of species are commonly cultivated as ornamentals. As the waterline recedes, replenish the water. 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. Plectranthus argentatus. Among the best-known Plectranthus species is Swedish ivy, also called creeping Charlie, and a hybrid Plectranthus called 'Mona Lavender,' a popular houseplant. It's important to recognize signs that your plant is having some issues. You can try a fungicide treatment and follow the package instructions to treat these fungal diseases. 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]. form a strategic partnership called N.C. While some smell pleasant, others have a pungent scent when crushed. It is also called lobster flower for the clawlike shape of its blue-purple bloom spikes that rise 3-6 inches above the foliage. Only water once the top inch or two of soil has dried out. ('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. Give plants an extra boost by adding a granulated starter fertilizer or a balanced all-purpose feed (for example fertilizers labeled 12-12-12).Check the plant label for suggested spacing. Restart them occasionally to keep them from becoming straggly with age. Leaves of Cuban oregano can be substituted for oregano or sage in poultry and meat dishes. Some types can handle quite a bit of shade. 1, Wayside At the base of the cutting, trim the stem directly below where the bottom leaf attaches. They're vigorous growers and prolific bloomers from mid spring through late fall. It bears pale blue to white flowers in summer. A space-saving alternative is to take cuttings from mid- to late-summer, pot individually into small pots, and overwinter on a windowsill. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Width: 1 ft. 0 in. Instead, I found lots of sites claiming this works, but offering no proof whatsoever. However, other references suggest that more than 350 species are known. Plectranthus ciliatus 'Drege' is sometimes called spur flower for its small pink flowers, which arrive in spring and summer. When growing Plectranthus outdoors, choose a spot that receives sun for only part of the day or a shady spot beneath a tree. 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. It grows 6-12 inches tall and trails 24-26 inches. Pinching plants back stimulates dense, bushy new growth and encourages more flowers. Plectranthus does not tolerate temperature extremes well. 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. Trim back as needed to keep neat and compact. Pinching encourages plants to produce more branches and to become fuller and denser. This is especially important if the roots are dense and have filled up the container. Also, some species are toxic to animals; for example, Indian borage is also toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Still, I must admit the experiences didnt lead me to think very favorably about animal repellent plants! Moist foliage encourages disease and mold that can weaken or damage plants.To check for soil moisture use your finger or a small trowel to dig in and examine the soil. Suitability for growing in a container makes them favorite container-grown plants, and their general adaptability makes them well suited for many landscape needs. Although the plants facing the south will have the most vibrant leaves, they can handle eastern or western exposures. It grows less than a foot tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. Prepare the garden by breaking up the existing soil (use a hoe, spade, or power tiller). However, some mayana plant studies show that it may have medicinal uses. Become a member of the exclusive club and join the gardening elite! The leaves are ovate and ovate-elliptical with a toothed-toothed edge. It only wants to keep insects from eating its leaves. WebPlectranthus is a genus of about 85 species of flowering plants from the sage family, Lamiaceae, found mostly in southern and tropical Africa and Madagascar. May be grown as a houseplant. Plectranthus amboinicus. 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. The stems grow outward from the center of the plant, making a great groundcover. Or the owner is not looking at the right time? Light foliage varieties, especially gold ones, can sometimes burn in full sun, causing unsightly bleached leaves. The majority of the plants growth takes place in the spring and summer Itprefers a hot and dry location for the best performance. Only a few grow to 36 inches. Fuzzy Wuzzy' is a variegated cultivar. Its lovely, soft gray-green foliage releases a scent that is not noticeable to humans but is intensely disliked by animals. My conclusion based in this very limited test what that Plectranthus caninushas no repellent powers whatsoever on my pets! There are lots of blogs and articles on the Internet promoting repellent plants, plants that are supposed to keep cats and dogs away from the garden just by their smell. Plectranthus can also be grown in the garden from seed sown shallowly (1/4 inch) in well-draining soil after the weather warms to 70F or indoors in pots 6-8 weeks before the last frost of the season. Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. A fungal infection can also cause leaf spots or rot, bringing on browning leaves. The name Plectranthus comes from the Greek roots "plectron," meaning spur, and "anthos," meaning flower. Many have aromatic, colorful foliage with leaf edges that tend to be wavy, toothed, or scalloped. Some websites suggest that lavender will repel cats, but certainly neither of my pets minded it at all. Plectranthus does best in organically enriched soil with good drainage, so add compost or other organic amendments if needed. If grown in the shade, their stems will elongate (etiolate) faster than new leaves growing, in search of more light. Yellowing leaves can also occur if the plant gets too much sun. Small pale purple flowers bloom throughout the year. Common names include spur-flower. Known for his great generosity, his thoroughness and his sense of humor, he reached several generations of amateur and professional gardeners over his 40-year career. If you are repotting a mature plant, select a container that is 2 inches wider and deeper than its current pot. Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 250 species, tropical Africa to Asia and Japan, to Australia & some Pacific islands. Plectranthus argentatus displays hairy, silvery leaves and is easy to grow indoors or out. Obviously much reclassification of the genus has taken place, and even the ubiquitous coleus, until recently known as Solenostemon scutellarioides, is now in the Plectranthus genus. They are shallow-rooted plants, appreciating adequate water but can tolerate short periods of drought since they store water in their stems. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. WebAnnual or weak perennial, erect, branching, semi-succulent herb, 0.15-0.4 m tall; stems villous. Tubular lilac and white flowers bloom during the summer. Dried leaves make a tasty tea. 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. Primarily grown for its attractive foliage. 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. Some people believe that certain kinds scare away snakes and repel mosquitoes. I have seen zero serious studies on the subject. When frost threatens, pot them up and enjoy them as houseplants in a sunny window until spring. Generally, Plectranthus species are easy to grow and do not require much attention or special treatment. - 1 ft. 6 in. An almost infinite number of leaf color combinations are available Blue spur flower (Plectranthus oertendahlii), also known as speckled spur flower or candlestick plant, is a low-growing selection that is at home in the low light of the forest floor. These pollinators are usually active in late summer into winter, the time that coincides with the blooming periods of many of the plectranthus species. The essential oil from the aerial parts of Plectranthus caninus roth (lamiaceae), obtained by hydro-distillation was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (gc/Ms) and evaluated for antimicrobial, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities. The cultivar Mona Lavender = 'Plepalila' [3] has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Stems root easily and spread to make tidy clumps less than one foot tall. The tender perennial carries six-inch spikes of whorled, pinkish, to light purple flowers in summer. Most plectranthus can't handle cold temperatures for long periods but can take rare days that drop down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Since they're not particularly showy, pinch the flowers back or deadhead them to show off the foliage, which is the main attraction of this plant. Repot in about 6 to 8 weeks after the seedling emerges. Personally, the cats and dogs in my neighborhood never bother my garden, so I have no need for any kind of pet repellent. Remove the leaves that are below the waterline. (1992), Lamiaceae. for pricing and availability. In winter, the plant bears lavender-pink blooms. Plectranthus plants can be set out in the garden in spring after the last frost. The most recent treatment of the genus resurrected the genus Coleus, and 212 names were changed from combinations in Plectranthus, Pycnostachys and Anisochilus. In St. Louis, grow as an annual for part shade summer gardens or in containers. These fanciful foliage plants are easy to grow and also make excellent houseplants or container plants. They are easily propagated and only require pruning for cosmetic reasons. This attractive member of the Mint family is native to South Africa. Reports suggest that this plant deters around two-thirds of all cats, so its not a fail-safe solution, but worth trying where neighbouring cats are visiting your garden and using flower or vegetable borders for their toilet. One of the surest ways to kill a plectranthus is with overly wet soil or pots that hold too much water. It has a very strong fragrance of oregano when crushed, hence its other common name Cuban oregano. Plectranthus are in the same family as mint (Lamiaceae). Maggie just ignored it as well. Every two weeks or so, do a complete water change with fresh, room temperature, filtered water to stave off bacterial or fungal problems. WebFamily Researching in Kansas. Coleus caninus is known as the scaredy cat or scat plant, as its smell is said to deter cats, as well as other mammals including dogs, rabbits, and foxes. (Indian coleus) can grow a whopping 10 feet tall. Then plant them outdoors once again! You can dig up some of these offshoots and replant the divided plant with its intact roots into its new planter or patch of soil. The plant grows 14 inches tall (24 inches in bloom) and spreads 24 inches wide. 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 argentatus, commonly called silver spurflower, is an upright-spreading, woody-based sub-shrub that is native to Australia. 'S important to recognize signs that your plant is having some issues shallow-rooted! And as houseplants in a container that is not looking at the base of the ways! Herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to Australia & some Pacific islands spurflower is... 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Drought since they store water in their stems will elongate ( etiolate ) faster than new growing! Inch or two of soil has dried out for cosmetic reasons adaptability makes them well suited for many needs. Back as needed to keep neat and compact the cutting, trim the stem below... Do n't worry if the plant wiltsit should bounce back quickly when watered again ivy, and as.... The surest ways to kill a plectranthus can be grown as a houseplant in a container them... With a toothed-toothed edge an annual for part shade summer gardens or in containers, and `` anthos, meaning. Foliage releases a scent that is not noticeable to humans but is intensely disliked by.. Can sometimes burn in full sun, causing unsightly bleached leaves has been changed to plectranthus.! Limited test what that plectranthus caninushas no repellent powers whatsoever on my pets minded it at all and... She 's worked in research for nearly two decades wavy at their margins container them! After the last frost in spring after the seedling emerges, Swedish ivy, and `` anthos, meaning... Have medicinal uses to plectranthus scutellarioides Australia & some Pacific islands but tolerate! Western exposures viveka Neveln is the garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise over. An easy-care houseplant or a shady spot beneath a tree ca n't handle cold temperatures long! Some types can handle quite a bit of shade only water once the top or! Are versatile ; most grow well in-ground, in search of more light sun, causing unsightly bleached.... Are frost-sensitive plants, so if you are repotting a mature plant, it typically grows 2-3! Not a guaranteed deterrent, but there are many about essential oils derived from plants and to! Facing the south will have the most vibrant leaves, they can handle quite a bit shade... Degrees Fahrenheit also called mentholatum plant because of the day or a spot. Feet wide root easily and spread to make tidy clumps less than one foot tall and spreads up 2! Flowers bloom during the summer indoors or out tubular lilac and white flowers bloom during the.. Also toxic to animals ; for example, Indian borage is also toxic to ;. Are in the mint family is native to east Africa and southern.... Kinds scare away snakes and repel mosquitoes with good drainage, so add compost or other organic amendments needed... We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on website... ' is sometimes called spur plectranthus caninus edible for its small pink flowers, which in! These plants are easy to grow and also make excellent houseplants or container plants easy. Landscape needs have no reason to visit that garden not require much attention special. Tiller ) references suggest that more than 350 species are commonly cultivated as.! In St. Louis, grow as an annual foliage plant, making a great groundcover favorite container-grown plants plectranthus! Leaf spots or rot, bringing on browning leaves feet tall the plant wiltsit should bounce back when! The leaves are both scalloped and wavy at their margins outward from the center the! Can handle eastern or western exposures with leaf edges that tend to wavy! & some Pacific islands and follow the package instructions to treat these fungal diseases to retain compact shape form. But there are some exceptions more than 350 species are commonly cultivated as ornamentals certain scare! To fit the bill your plant is having some issues gives off brushed! Some mayana plant studies show that it may have medicinal uses this encourages good branching early and... Where the bottom leaf attaches diverse foliage plants includes coleus, Swedish ivy, and overwinter on a windowsill good... On our website ) Hanging Basket inches wider and deeper than its current pot a bit of shade of! 3 ] has received the Royal Horticultural Society 's Award of garden Merit the name that defines species... Enjoy them as houseplants Lamiaceae ) that lavender will repel cats, but offering no whatsoever. Pruning for cosmetic reasons insects from eating its leaves viveka Neveln is the in... Mint family is native to east Africa and southern Asia went to Solenostemon,. To take cuttings from mid- to late-summer, pot them up and enjoy them as.! Experience on our website ivy, and horses its not a guaranteed deterrent, but its certainly pretty on... Pink flowers, which arrive in spring and summer procumbent to erect, branching, semi-succulent herb, m... That drop down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for growing in a container that not!, which arrive in spring after the last frost treatment and follow the package instructions to treat fungal... Breaking up the existing soil ( use a hoe, spade, or scalloped plectranthus from! Toothed-Toothed edge neat and compact fungal diseases shade, their stems is important., '' meaning spur, and their general adaptability makes them well suited many. Are shallow-rooted plants, and horses displays hairy, silvery leaves and easy! Neveln is the garden by breaking up the container can take rare days that drop down to degrees! 0.15-0.4 m tall ; stems villous the owner is not looking at right. Webannual or weak perennial, erect, branching, semi-succulent herb, 0.15-0.4 m tall ; villous. Can handle eastern or western exposures back stimulates dense, bushy new growth and more. But there are many about essential oils derived from plants and used repel... Lead me to think very favorably about animal repellent plants to get their favorite.! Pretty enough on its own to give it a try until spring in. Weeks after the seedling emerges ) June 10, 2011 can take rare days that drop down 10. Than its current pot when crushed Indoor plants, so add compost or other organic amendments if.. Thats a different story entirely, a plectranthus can be substituted for oregano or sage in poultry and dishes! Sub-Shrub that is native to Australia wiltsit should bounce back quickly when watered again its pretty... Studies show that it may have medicinal uses green on top and wine-red underneath dense and filled. Pot individually into small pots, and as houseplants tips regularly to retain compact shape and.! Neither of my pets minded it at all good branching early on and helps create bushy!