About

Coleus neochilus, synonym Plectranthus neochilus, which is colloquially known as lobster bush, fly bush or mosquito bush, is a perennial ground cover with highly fragrant, partially scalloped, ovate leaves and purple blue inflorescent spikes.

How to grow it

Lobster bushes can tolerate wide temperature ranges, dry conditions and almost any soil, but prefer a well-drained sandy loam in full sun or partial shade. Hard pruning is suggested after flowering. Stems root very readily and the plant extends, where it forms a tidy cluster. Often planted in the landscape of difficult areas, the plant may become a little stressed in very dry conditions, but would revive when it receives some water.

They can easily be propagated from softwood cuttings and would multiply in the garden. They are rarely affected by pests.

Where it grows

The plant is found in dry brush lands, open and sometimes rocky woodland, from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga to Limpopo in South Africa, as well as in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.

Uses

It is said that this plant can repel snakes, mosquitoes, flies and most garden pests as a result of its fragrant nature. This makes Coleus neochilus an ideal companion plant for vegetable gardens. Furthermore, reports point out that these plants can be used efficaciously as an air purifier.

Other Coleus plants

Silver Hullwort · Coleus ater · Dog Hullwort · Coleus comosus · Coleus cremnus · Native Coleus · Coleus habrophyllus · Coleus maculosus · Common Thicket Spurflower · Hullworts · Coleus amboinicus · Coleus argentatus