Coleus Amboinicus

Leisure and Cultural Services Department Planting Herbs in School Scheme 2018/19 Rosemary Rue Indian Borage Rosmarinus Ruta Plectranthus officinalis graveolens amboinicus Rosmarinus officinalis Common name: Rosemary Family : Lamiaceae (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. Plant 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 : Coleus amboinicus Common names : Indian Borage, Country Borage, Indian Mint, Cuban Oregano, French Thyme and Spanish Thyme Family : Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Genus : Plectranthus Native range : Eastern and southern Africa 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. .

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