Cat’s Whiskers
Cat’s Whiskers or Orthosiphon stamineus is an unusual plant for pots, containers or planted out in the garden. It features long white or blue flowers with long stamens (cat’s whiskers) over glossy mid-green foliage. The plant is native to tropical eastern Asia. Of the family Labiatae it is cultivated for its unusual flowers and as a remedy for urinary system ailments. Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds also find this plant very attractive.
Plant Facts:
Common Name: Cat’s Whiskers
Botanical Name: Orthosiphon stamineus
Family: Labiatae (mint family)
Plant Type: Moderately bushy mint-like herb.
Origin: Tropical East Asia
Zones: 9 – 11, treated as a perennial
Height: to 2′
Rate of Growth: Medium
Salt Tolerance: None
Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained soil
Water Requirements: Requires heavy watering, do not allow to dry out
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
Light Requirements: Full sun
Form: Mint-like herb
Leaves: Mid-green to 2″ long, narrowly ovate, toothed
Flowers: Lavender or white, mint-like flowers with unusually long stamens reminiscent of cat whiskers
Fruits: None of interest
Pests or diseases: None major
Uses: Specimen plant
Bad Habits: None
Cost: $$ — reasonable
Propagation: Seeds and root easily from stem cuttings
Sources (“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”): AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY A-Z ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GARDEN PLANTS
