Dog Bane, Completely Underrated!

The above plant is not a Lavender, and not a Salvia, but in fact Dog Bane or if you like the fancy terms, Coleus caninus. But based on the flower alone, I could see where some may get confused.

Growing about 30cm tall, this succulent-like perennial has a wonderfully aromatic foliage when disturbed, even a gentle shower from the hose releases this distinctive aroma. Although we may not mind it, dogs and cats are said to find the smell really quite unpleasant (although technically, there is no scientific evidence supporting this claim).

Tip: Although typically found amongst the herbs in garden centers, this plant is not edible!

Native to South Africa, the Coleus (Plectranthus) caninus genus consists of over 250 species!
Preferring full sun, but tolerating part shade, I find these beauties very easy to grow. I accidentally snapped a piece off my main plant whilst pulling out grass, poked it in the ground and now I have a new plant, and with barely any watering. I've found they don't require much fertilizer either, which means I can give a bit more love to the surrounding plants.

Although Dog bane can tolerate a bit of part shade, you'll find they might go a bit more leggy and their stems stretch and search for more light. But never fear they do enjoy the full sun! Pruning every now and again will help keep your plants nice and dense as opposed to a more open habitat. Plus, like I said, each cutting equals a new plant! 

Flowering throughout spring and summer, they tolerate a huge variety of soils and conditions, making them ideal for almost any garden. They look lovely in pots, are great for rockeries, and can make an awesome ground cover.

Helpful note: I've also found my snails and caterpillars don't tend to nibble them!

So, if you're looking for a tough, easy to care for plant with stunning flowers, look no further than the humble Dog Bane.