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Conservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

Coleus amboinicus

Cuban oregano

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

Other common names
country borage
French thyme
see moreIndian mint
Mexican mint
soup mint
Spanish thyme
Synonyms
Solenostemon aromaticus
Coleus amboinicus var. violaceus
see morePlectranthus aromaticus
Plectranthus amboinicus
Coleus aromaticus
Coleus crassifolius

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
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 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
  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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