Plectranthus caninus. C11

Plectranthus caninus belongs to the Lamiaceae family, made up of more than 300 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants native to warm areas of the southern hemisphere such as Australia, Africa, Indonesia and even India. 

This plant is characterised by an unpleasant smell (imperceptible to humans) that repels dogs, cats and foxes.

It is native to East and Southern Africa and belongs to the same genus as the money plant. In plant shops it is sold under the name Coleus canina.

They are herbaceous plants that grow up to 40 cm high, with fleshy, somewhat hairy, rather rounded leaves. The curious flowers appear at the end of the stem in spikes and are bluish-purple in colour. They can flower almost all year round, but usually in the summer season.

They can be grown in pots or to create semi-shaded ground cover beds. Coleus canina thrives in full sun (if the climate is not too hot) and semi-shade. It does not tolerate frost.

During the spring and summer seasons it should be watered about 3 times a week, reducing watering in winter to once a week. The leaves should be sprayed from time to time to maintain humidity.

Fertilise monthly in spring with mineral fertiliser. These plants can be attacked by mealy bugs and aphids.

They can be propagated quite easily by cuttings although the plant can do this on its own and become almost invasive.