About
A short-lived perennial to about 75cm, with dark green leaves, flushed purple when young, with a strong, camphor scent. Spires of purple-pink flowers on purple stems are produced in summer.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. May be grown as a short-lived sub-shrub in mild areas or over-wintered under glass
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings; does not set seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers, aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews