Ocimum kilimandscharicum

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camphor basil

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camphor basil RHS / Joanna Kossak

Synonyms

Ocimum basilicum camphorata

Herbaceous Perennial
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Ocimum kilimandscharicum is a short-lived perennial or sub-shrub with aromatic leaves characterised by their strong camphor scent and spikes of tiny, pale pinkish-white flowers in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
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
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Ocimum can be aromatic annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs with opposite, linear to broadly-ovate leaves and small tubular white or pinkish flowers in whorls forming a spike
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. May be grown as a sub-shrub in mild areas or overwintered under glass

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Leafhoppers, aphids, slugs and snails may be troublesome

Diseases

Generally disease-free