Coleus amboinicus

RHS Plant Profile

Cuban oregano

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Other common names

country borage, French thyme, Indian mint, Mexican mint, soup mint, Spanish thyme

Synonyms

Coleus amboinicus var. violaceus, Coleus aromaticus, Coleus crassifolius, Plectranthus amboinicus, Plectranthus aromaticus, Solenostemon aromaticus

Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

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A tender, evergreen, trailing perennial to 30cm tall, bearing fleshy, velvety leaves with finely scalloped margins; the foliage is strongly aromatic and can be used as a culinary herb. Grow in a cool or temperate greenhouse or as a houseplant

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1B

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: A genus of annual or perennial herbs or shrubs, some of which can be succulent or tuberous in nature, and one of the easiest plants to propagate. Their velvety leaves add vibrant shades of red, pink, green and purple to beds and borders, pots and containers
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Africa, Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light, with shade from hot sun. During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water moderately in winter. Plants can be moved outdoors during summer

Propagation

Propagate by cuttings at any time of year

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Patio and container plants
Sub-tropical
Hanging Basket
Bedding
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free