Cat's-Whiskers
Orthosiphon aristatus
- Native to:
- Australia, Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, China, Guam, Hainan, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Palau, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Nativeplants garden
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Genus:
- Orthosiphon
- Species:
- Orthosiphon aristatus
- USDA Symbol:
- ORAR6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to tropical and subtropical regions
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate in 2-4 weeks at 20-25°C with light; no pretreatment required.