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Ocimum (Becium) obovatum

by Johan Wentzel

Ocimum (Becium) obovatum
Common Name
Cat's whiskers
Plant Type
Perennial
Ocimum obovatum is a multi-stemmed ground cover that grows to about 30cm. The beautiful, frilly, mauve to white flowers are whorled at the tips of the branches from Sept to Feb and makes a beautiful addition to a grassland garden
Plant Description

Ocimum obovatum is a multi-stemmed ground cover that  grows to about 30cm. It sprouts annually from a woody rootstock. It is drought resistant and is equally happy in sun or semi-shade. It has beautifully frilly, mauve to white flowers that are whorled at the tips of the branches. Looking at the flowers brings a clue as to the origin of the common name of cat's whiskers.  It’s natural habitat is in grasslands.

Ocimum obovatum is best grown in sun or semi-shade and makes a beautiful addition to a grassland garden, a rockery or as a container plan. Keep dry in winter. It also attracts butterflies.

Blooms are seen in spring and summer in many-flowered clusters on long stalks.  Pollination involves a series of butterfly species in habitat, adding to the willing gardener’s reward.

Afrikaanse Naam
Katsnor
Hardiness
Very hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Water wise
Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Fast
Flowering Time
Spring
Flower Colour
Blue
Shape
Climber
Soil
Loam
Plant Size
<30cm
Region
Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Habitat
Grassland, Rocky outcrops
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
Yes
  • Ocimum (Becium) obovatum
  • Ocimum (Becium) obovatum
  • Ocimum (Becium) obovatum
  • Ocimum (Becium) obovatum

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Random Harvest Nursery: 082 553 0598

Jonathan Taylor: 0768305242

Email: [email protected]

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