Plectranthus neochilus aka Blue Lobster Flower

Plectranthus neochilus is one of the easiest Plectranthus species to grow, described by SANBI as a hardy, versatile herbaceous perennial that is "very easy to grow." It tolerates poor soils, drought, full sun, and difficult landscape conditions, and is rarely bothered by pests. The main requirements are well-drained soil and protection from prolonged wet, cold conditions.

Mature plants form low, much-branched, bushy mounds typically 200–500 mm tall and up to 600 mm wide, with some sources reporting heights of 45–60 cm. Growth is rapid: SANBI notes the plant "forms massive bushes rather quickly," spreading by softwood stems that root readily where they touch the soil.

The species tolerates a wide range of temperatures and difficult landscape conditions in its native southern African range, where it grows from coastal to inland habitats including rocky woodland. It is best suited to warm, dry climates, and prolonged frost or wet cold can damage the plant; in cooler regions it is grown as a tender perennial or houseplant overwinter.

In its native range Plectranthus neochilus flowers from spring (September in the Southern Hemisphere) through autumn (April), peaking in autumn; in cultivation elsewhere it has been observed to flower twice yearly, in late summer and late winter. The plant tolerates drought through the dry season but responds to occasional supplemental watering.

The foliage is highly aromatic; the strong, pungent scent released when leaves are crushed or brushed has been compared to cannabis or skunk, which gives rise to the common name "smelly coleus."

Flowers are borne on upright spikes and are 12–20 mm long, deep blue to purple, with a bluish-white upper lip and a boat-shaped lower lip typical of Lamiaceae. In its native range it blooms from spring to autumn with an autumn peak; in cultivation it is reported to flower twice yearly, in late summer and late winter.

A variegated cultivar named 'Peppermint Cream' is in cultivation, valued for cream-edged foliage in addition to the species' typical purple-blue flower spikes.

This is primarily an outdoor ornamental: in its native habitat it grows in dry thicket, often under trees in open and sometimes rocky woodland. In cultivation it performs best in full sun with light shade tolerated, in loam-to-sandy soils with good drainage, and is widely planted as a drought-tolerant ground cover, low border, or informal edging.

Stems root readily and the plant tends to spread quickly into dense mounds, so light tip-pruning or shearing after flowering is commonly used in gardens to keep mounds compact and rejuvenate growth, though specific pruning protocols are not detailed in primary sources.

Propagation is easy from softwood cuttings: stems root very readily, and SANBI notes the plant "would multiply in the garden" through stem rooting wherever cuttings touch soil.

Plectranthus neochilus is described as hardy and "rarely affected by pests." Its strongly aromatic foliage is reputed to deter mosquitoes, flies, and other garden pests, and the plant is popularly used as a companion plant in vegetable beds.

The species is not a culinary vegetable, but fresh leaves are sometimes used to make a herbal tea reported to resemble mint tea. The dried herb is also used as a folk remedy in parts of South America under the names "Falso Boldo" or "boldo-gambá." Note that ASPCA lists the Coleus genus (to which this species now belongs) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, so edibility-style preparations should be approached with caution and ingestion by pets avoided.

In Brazilian and Latin American folk medicine the dried leaves, sold as "Falso Boldo" or "boldo-gambá," are used for hepatic insufficiency and dyspepsia; Cuban traditional use includes preparations for sleep disorders. Peer-reviewed studies have documented antimicrobial activity (including against oral pathogens), antioxidant capacity, schistosomicidal effects, and cytotoxic properties of the essential oil, whose major constituents include beta-caryophyllene and alpha-pinene. These reports are research findings, not endorsements of self-medication.

The plant is widely grown as an ornamental ground cover and is popularly believed to repel snakes, mosquitoes, flies, and other garden pests, which has led to its use as a companion plant in vegetable beds and a reputed natural air purifier. Recent research has also evaluated Plectranthus neochilus for phytoremediation, particularly its ability to remove 2,4-D herbicide from contaminated soils.

Flowers display the typical bilabiate, lipped Lamiaceae morphology — a bluish-white upper lip and boat-shaped lower lip on a 12–20 mm tubular corolla — a structure adapted to insect pollination, principally by bees.

Blue Lobster Flower’s native range is Tropical Africa and Madagascar.

Blue Lobster Flower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Blue Lobster Flower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Blue Lobster Flower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Spur Flower is always in the right place to thrive.

The Blue Lobster Flower does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

The Blue Lobster Flower should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.