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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae) (Mints) |
| Origin: Swaziland (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Mauve |
| Bloomtime: Summer/Fall |
| Synonyms: [Orthosiphon labiatus] |
| Height: 3-5 feet |
| Width: 3-5 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Ocimum labiatum (Shell Bush) - This evergreen shrub in the sage family typically reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet tall by an equal width but is known to grow larger in its native habitat. Its leaves that are almost heart-shaped and have a soft hairy texture and scalloped edges - they have a minty perfume when handled. Six inch, delicate spires of flowers bloom at the tips of the branches and completely cover the bush in a mist of pinkish-mauve over a long period from early summer on into fall. Plant in full coastal sun to light shade in a well drained soil and water regularly to infrequently – though from the more summer rainfall areas of South Africa, this plant can handle summer dry conditions in part day sun in coastal California gardens once it is established. It can also tolerate a moderate degree of frost and seems hardy down to at least 25°F. Trim back plants in winter to neaten up and shape. Shell Bush grows naturally on rocky hillsides in KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland north into the Northern Provinces of South Africa and beyond into Zimbabwe. This plant was previously known as Orthosiphon labiatus with the name for the genus coming from the Greek words 'ortho' meaning erect and 'siphon' meaning the "flower tube" in reference to the erect flower tube but more recently it has been put in Ocimum, the genus that includes culinary basil. The origin of this name is from a Greek name used by Theophrastus for an aromatic herb. The specific epithet is from Latin and means "lipped", which is a reference to the flared petals. Other common names include Pink Sage and Pink Cat's Whiskers. We first started growing this attractive plant as Orthosiphon labiatus in 1995 from seed received under this namefrom the National Botanic Garden Kirstenbosch.
This information about Ocimum labiatum displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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