Leisure and Cultural Services Department Planting Herbs in School Scheme 2018/19

Rosemary Rue Indian Borage Rosmarinus Ruta officinalis graveolens amboinicus Rosmarinus officinalis

Common name: Rosemary Family : (Labiatae) Genus : Rosmarinus Native range: Mediterranean region Common cultivars: Pine Rosemary and Red- stemmed Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis Characteristics

 A perennial evergreen shrub  Its stem, leaf and flower carry a unique pungent aroma.

Rosmarinus officinalis Growth Habits and Care

 The herb prefers a warm, well-ventilated environment with adequate sunlight.  It has leathery leaves and is drought-tolerant.  in well-drained sandy soil for best results.  Water moderately. Rosmarinus officinalis Propagation

 Seeds can be sown in spring.  Cutting can be carried out in spring or summer. Rosmarinus officinalis Prevention and Treatment of Pests and Diseases

 Rosemary is not susceptible to pests and diseases.  If pests or diseases are found, remove the infected parts immediately and apply appropriate insecticide or fungicide. Rosmarinus officinalis Horticultural Application and Economic Value

 An ideal plant for the herb garden, courtyard or rooftop garden  The plant can also be used for making tea, wine, vinegar and herbal mask, and cooking food such as mutton, or added to the bath.  It is bactericidal, contains antioxidants, and can be used for treating headache and relieving anxiety.

Rosmarinus officinalis Points to Note  Drain any excess water to prevent stagnant water from collecting in the pot and hampering root growth.  The plant is slow-growing but its older branches lignify quickly, so pruning and harvesting should be done with extra care.  Trimming should be restricted to half the length of the branches, as excessive pruning will hinder shoot growth.

Ruta graveolens

Common name: Rue Family: Rutaceae Genus: Ruta Native range: Southern Europe Ruta graveolens Characteristics

 A perennial, evergreen subshrub  The whole plant emits a strong, pungent scent which some people may find unpleasant.  It has a graceful form and bluish green foliage.

Ruta graveolens Growth Habits and Care

 Rue is quite tolerant of drought.  It prefers a dry, sunny and well-ventilated environment.  It thrives in well-drained sandy soil with a pH between 6 and 8.  Pruning in spring and after flowering in summer can encourage bushy growth and help maintain the plant’s shape. Ruta graveolens Propagation

 Cutting can be carried out in spring or autumn. Ruta graveolens Prevention and Treatment of Pests and Diseases

 Rue rarely suffers from pests and diseases.  However, it may occasionally be attacked by whiteflies or sooty moulds.  Young seedlings are prone to damping off if the soil is too wet.

Ruta graveolens Horticultural Application and Economic Value

 A suitable addition to herb gardens, the plant makes a popular ornamental in the garden too.  Having been used in medicines for centuries, fresh and dried Rue can act as insect repellent.  Apart from being used as a fragrance ingredient in soaps and cosmetic products, Rue leaf and its essential oil are also used as a flavouring. Ruta graveolens Points to Note  Ingesting large amounts of Rue may cause stomach ache and vomiting.  The plant should not be used at all by pregnant women.  Rue can cause skin rashes or even blistering on some individuals. Avoid contact with the plant when it is wet or under full sun. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves when pruning and picking the plant.  It is better to place the plant at the inner side of the flower bed and away from walkways so that it is kept at a distance from passers-by.

Plectranthus amboinicus

Former scientific name : amboinicus Common names : Indian Borage, Country Borage, Indian Mint, Cuban , French and Spanish Thyme Family : Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Genus : Plectranthus Native range : Eastern and Plectranthus amboinicus Characteristics

 A perennial herb  Other than the plain green-leaved original, Indian Borage also comes in a variegated form with white- edged green leaves that presents a sharp contrast in colour.  A heavily scented plant Plectranthus amboinicus Growth Habits and Care

 It prefers a warm and sunny environment, and is ideally grown in areas with partial shade.  With succulent leaves, the herb is quite tolerant of drought.  It thrives in well-drained, loose and fertile humus or sandy soil.  Regular pinching and pruning between spring and autumn can induce branching, and in turn encourage bushy growth.  In the cold winter, when the plant grows slower, over-pruning should be avoided. Replenish nitrogen fertiliser as appropriate after pruning to prompt growth.

Plectranthus amboinicus Propagation

 Seed sowing can be carried out in spring.  Cutting can be carried out in spring or autumn. Plectranthus amboinicus Prevention and Treatment of Pests and Diseases

 The plant rarely suffers from pests and diseases.  If it is grown in soil that is overwatered or too wet, the roots may rot, causing the plant to wilt.  Infestation and infection can be prevented by employing proper cultivation techniques and keeping the environment clean and well-ventilated.

Plectranthus amboinicus Horticultural Application and Economic Value

 The herb is a popular garden ornamental and a favourite in homes and herb gardens.  With various therapeutic properties, the herb can be ingested or applied externally, and is widely used throughout the world (especially Southeast Asia).  Fresh leaves are used in cooking and brewing tea, and as insect repellent.  The herb is an ingredient for essential oils used in aromatherapy.

Plectranthus amboinicus Points to Note

 The herb rarely causes allergy, but people with sensitive skin should handle it with extra care as the tiny hairs covering the plant may induce mild contact dermatitis.  It is ideally grown in areas with partial shade, as exposure to strong, direct sunlight will cause its leaves to turn yellow and their edges to curl and become scorched.