Plectranthus Caninus (Syn. Coleus Canina) | Lamiaceae

Plectranthus caninus: The Scaredy-Cat Plant

Plectranthus caninus, also known as Coleus canina, is a herbaceous perennial plant from the mint family Lamiaceae. Native to southern and eastern Africa, from Angola to Sudan and South Africa, this plant is commonly referred to as the "scaredy-cat plant" due to its strong odor that repels cats and dogs.

With a height of up to 15 cm and a width of 30 cm, Plectranthus caninus features soft, hairy leaves that are obovate, rounded toothed, and velvet-hairy below. The fleshy leaves can reach sizes of up to 3 x 2.5 cm. The plant produces pale blue flowers that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Plectranthus caninus serves as a natural repellent to garden pests such as cats and dogs. Its odor repels animals, making it an effective plant for keeping pets away from specific areas of the garden. Additionally, this plant has traditional medicinal uses, including the treatment of coughs, colds, and fever.

Caring for the scaredy-cat plant is easy. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade, requiring well-draining soil and regular watering. Propagation can be done through stem cuttings or by dividing the root ball.

In summary, Plectranthus caninus, or Coleus canina, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to southern and eastern Africa. Its strong odor repels cats and dogs, making it a natural repellent. With easy care requirements, it can thrive in various garden settings.

Growing Plectranthus caninus

Plectranthus caninus, also known as Coleus canina, is a herbaceous perennial plant from the mint family Lamiaceae. Native to southern and eastern Africa, from Angola to Sudan and South Africa, this plant is commonly referred to as the Scaredy-Cat plant due to its strong odor that repels cats and dogs.

The Scaredy-Cat plant is a tender perennial that can reach heights of up to 15 cm or 30 cm when in bloom. It features pale blue flowers that grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The leaves are obovate, rounded toothed, velvet-hairy below, and fleshy, measuring up to 3 x 2.5 cm. The plant is profusely branched and covered in soft hairs.

As a natural repellent to garden pests, such as cats and dogs, Plectranthus caninus is an excellent choice for pet owners looking to protect their gardens. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering.

If you're seeking a natural way to keep your garden free from animal damage, the Scaredy-Cat plant is an excellent choice. Its strong odor repels cats and dogs, making it an effective natural repellent.

Plectranthus caninus care

Plectranthus caninus, also known as Coleus canina, is a herbaceous perennial plant from the mint family Lamiaceae. Native to southern and eastern Africa, from Angola to Sudan and South Africa, this plant is commonly referred to as the Scaredy-Cat plant due to its strong odor that repels cats and dogs.

The Scaredy-Cat plant is a tender perennial that can reach heights of up to 15 cm or 30 cm when in bloom. It features pale blue flowers that grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The leaves are obovate, rounded toothed, velvet-hairy below, and fleshy, measuring up to 3 x 2.5 cm. The plant is profusely branched and covered in soft hairs.

Plectranthus caninus serves as a natural repellent to garden pests, such as cats and dogs. Its odor repels animals, making it an ideal plant for those who want to keep their gardens free from unwanted pets. Additionally, this plant has traditional medicinal uses, including the treatment of respiratory problems, stomach disorders, and skin conditions.

To care for Plectranthus caninus, it is important to plant it in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The plant requires regular watering, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Plectranthus caninus is a low maintenance plant and does not require excessive fertilization.

In summary, Plectranthus caninus, also known as Coleus canina, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to southern and eastern Africa. It serves as a natural repellent to garden pests and has traditional medicinal properties. With its easy care requirements, it can be a great addition to any garden.

Plectranthus caninus as a natural repellent

Plectranthus caninus, also known as Coleus canina, is a herbaceous perennial plant from the mint family Lamiaceae. Native to southern and eastern Africa, from Angola to Sudan and South Africa, this plant is commonly referred to as the Scaredy-Cat plant due to its strong odor that repels cats and dogs.

The Scaredy-Cat plant is a tender perennial that can reach heights of up to 15 cm or 30 cm when in bloom. It features pale blue flowers that grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The leaves are obovate, rounded toothed, velvet-hairy below, and fleshy, measuring up to 3 x 2.5 cm. The plant is profusely branched and covered in soft hairs.

Plectranthus caninus serves as a natural repellent to garden pests, such as cats and dogs. Its odor repels animals, making it a great addition to gardens and homes with pets. Additionally, this plant has traditional medicinal uses, including the treatment of coughs, colds, and fever.

To care for Plectranthus caninus, plant it in well-draining soil in a sunny or partially shaded area. Regular watering is necessary, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10a to 11, but it can be grown as an annual in colder climates.

In summary, Plectranthus caninus is a unique and useful plant that repels pets and has traditional medicinal properties. With its easy care requirements, it can be a great addition to any garden or home.

Plectranthus caninus vs other succulents

Plectranthus caninus, also known as Coleus canina, is a herbaceous perennial plant from the mint family Lamiaceae. Native to southern and eastern Africa, from Angola to Sudan and South Africa, this plant is commonly referred to as the Scaredy-Cat plant due to its strong odor that repels cats and dogs.

The Scaredy-Cat plant is a small, perennial plant that can reach heights of up to 15 cm or 30 cm when in bloom. It features pale blue flowers and has leaves that are obovate, rounded toothed, velvet-hairy below, and fleshy, measuring up to 3 x 2.5 cm. The plant is profusely branched and covered in soft hairs.

Plectranthus caninus serves as a natural repellent to garden pests, such as cats and dogs. Its odor repels animals, making it an excellent choice for pet owners looking to protect their gardens. Additionally, this plant has traditional medicinal uses, including the treatment of respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin conditions.

To care for Plectranthus caninus, plant it in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought. Regular watering is necessary, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

In conclusion, Plectranthus caninus is a small, perennial plant that produces pale blue flowers and has a strong odor that repels cats and dogs. With its easy care requirements, it can be grown in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. This plant also has traditional medicinal uses and is an excellent choice for pet owners looking to protect their gardens.